??The Stellenbosch 肆客足球 (SU) Language Centre, in collaboration with the SU Hybrid Learning team, proudly announces the launch of its Multilingual Mastery Certificate on the StellenboschX platform. StellenboschX forms part of the international EdX network which offers learners access to high-quality courses from anywhere in the world. This places SU on the same learning platform as prestigious institutions like Harvard and MIT.
The Multilingual Mastery Certificate consists of four courses designed to introduce people to some South African languages in the context of a multilingual mindset, helping them to create a deeper understanding of different cultures and ways of thinking. “These courses provide not only language skills but also a deeper connection to the cultures behind those languages, creating a more inclusive and interconnected world. The Certificate showcases an amazing quality that South Africans generally share: We're a multilingual nation," explains Dr Arné Binneman, Head of Multilingual Learning at the SU Language Centre.
While each course can be taken on its own, the course creators strongly recommend completing all four as a series to get the full experience and gain a deeper understanding of how language and identity shape our world and can create connections between people.
The Certificate kicks off with the foundational course, Exploring and Developing a Multilingual Mindset, which highlights the importance of multilingualism and how it influences identity and communication. This course lays the groundwork for the three language courses that follow.
Participants can then choose to explore isiXhosa, Afrikaans and South African Sign Language (SASL) in “taster" courses. These three South African languages have very different origins: one is an African language, the other has Germanic roots, and the third is a visual-gestural language. We explore the basics of each language, including cultural insights and vocabulary for simple conversations in everyday social settings. The South African Sign Language and Deaf Culture course is particularly timely, following the recognition of SASL as South Africa's 12th official language in July 2023.
All of the courses are designed by SU Language Centre experts, ensuring high-quality language learning that is relevant and practical. These courses are curated with real-world use in mind, focusing on authentic language and cultural immersion.
Courses are self-paced, allowing learners the flexibility to study at their own convenience. Whether you're a South African looking to engage more deeply with local languages, an expat wanting to reconnect with your roots, or an international learner curious about South Africa's linguistic diversity, the Multilingual Mastery Certificate is your gateway to a meaningful language learning journey.
Key benefits of the Multilingual Mastery Certificate:
- World-class platform: Part of the international EdX network.
- Flexible options: Take each course individually or complete the entire certificate series for a comprehensive understanding.
- Expert-led: Courses are designed by Stellenbosch 肆客足球 Language Centre specialists, ensuring high-quality, practical learning.
- Cultural immersion: Learn not just the language, but the culture and context behind it.
- Self-paced: Study at your own speed with engaging, interactive content.
The Multilingual Mastery Certificate launches in mid-October 2024. Everyone is invited – click here to enroll on EdX to begin your journey toward multilingualism and cultural understanding.
肆客足球 the Stellenbosch 肆客足球 Language Centre
The Stellenbosch 肆客足球 Language Centre offers research-based, language-related courses and services to people with diverse education backgrounds, so that they can enhance their communication skills – such as reading, writing, speaking and listening – and in so doing, be more successful in their studies, careers and personal lives. Our mandate is to provide language support to Stellenbosch 肆客足球 and to promote a multilingual mindset at the institution and in the wider community.
Contact us at taalsentrum@sun.ac.za with enquiries.
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