Didactic and linguistic constraints pertaining to the teaching of Southern Ndebele

Abstract

This study investigates isiNdebele language as no longer a mere oral language, but a written and read language. As one of the once marginalised languages in South Africa, isiNdebele is one of the least developed amongst the official languages. The study investigates isiNdebele's development and modernisation in the context of the Language in Education Policy and the functional multilingualism dispensation in our country.

The qualitative research methodology was used to investigate the didactic and linguistic constraints in the teaching of isiNdebele, specifically utilising interviews and focus groups to collect data.

The study found that lack of properly qualified teachers, and development of this language which is lagging behind others, are the main constraints in teaching isiNdebele.