Afrikaans and beyond: the complexities of developing multilingual academic environments in South African universities

Abstract

The implementation of language policies in South African universities faces significant barriers rooted in the country's socio-economic and historical context. Despite constitutional mandates and policy frameworks aimed at promoting multilingualism and equity, practical challenges persist. Developing indigenous African languages into fully-fledged academic mediums is a complex and resource-intensive process, requiring substantial financial investment, skilled language specialists, and institutional commitment. The historical privileging of English and Afrikaans during apartheid has created an entrenched system where these languages dominate academia, marginalizing indigenous languages. Efforts to elevate these languages to academic status are further complicated by the need for consistent scientific terminology and academic materials, which are currently lacking. Furthermore, the financial burden on universities to support multilingual education, including translation services and recruiting qualified staff, is considerable. This financial strain is compounded by broader economic challenges facing the higher education sector. While preserving Afrikaans as an academic language promotes diversity and inclusivity, it also highlights the disparities in language development and usage in academia. The reluctance of the government to invest heavily in transforming other local languages into academic mediums reflects practical considerations about marketability and global competitiveness, as English remains the predominant language for research dissemination and professional advancement. This paper explores these barriers in detail, drawing on policy guidelines and existing literature, and discusses their impact on higher education institutions and students. The findings reveal a need for a balanced approach that acknowledges both the practical constraints and the cultural significance of multilingualism in fostering a more inclusive and equitable academic environment.