Heritage as a motivation for Kiswahili language learning at the University of KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa
Loading...
Date
2016
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of Namibia
Abstract
This article explores the role of heritage as a motivation for learning
Kiswahili as a foreign language at the University of KwaZulu-Natal in
South Africa. Since publication of the works of Gardner and Lambert on
language motivation in the 1970s, this aspect has dominated the area of
second and foreign language learning. While initial studies on language
learning motivation were focused on major western languages, such as
English and French in Canada, in recent years the focus has shifted
towards what in the United States are called less commonly taught
languages (LCTLs). Within the context of the US, the LCTLs are
generally defined as the low-enrolment and infrequently taught
languages and most cited examples are, Chinese, Japanese, and
Russian, and in recent years indigenous African languages such as
Kiswahili, Amharic, Hausa, Igbo, Akan, IsiZulu, and IsiXhosa. Arabic is
also included on the list. The research emphasis has particularly been
on the language educators’ attempt to establish students’ reasons for
engaging in learning these languages. It has been well documented that
heritage is one of the main reasons students choose to learn the LCTLs
in America. Nevertheless, there is lack of information on motivating
factors for African students learning other African languages within
African universities. This problem might be attributed to the absence of
the African language programmes taught in universities of other African
countries where the languages are not native. It is only in recent years
that Kiswahili has started to be taught in universities of other non-
Kiswahili speaking countries, such as at the University of KwaZulu-Natal
in South Africa, University of Namibia in Namibia, and the University of
Zimbabwe, in Zimbabwe. Using the action research approach, the
present study shares research findings on the role of heritage as a
learning motivation among students studying Kiswahili as a foreign
language at the University of KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa.
Description
Keywords
Heritage, Language learning, Language motivation, Kiswahili
Citation
Chipila, R. A. (2016). Heritage as a motivation for Kiswahili language learning at the University of KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa. JULACE: Journal of the University of Namibia Language Centre, 1(1), 27-43.