SA Province To Translate Exams Into Native Languages

South Africa’s Eastern Cape province will for the first time in history translate examination papers into IsiXhosa and Sesotho, public broadcaster SABC quotes an official as saying.

The Grade 12 exams that are being translated are mathematics, physical science, life sciences, history, agricultural science and accounting.

In an interview, education department spokesperson Malibongwe Mtima said the changes were meant to give all languages equitable status and were in line with the country’s constitution.

“As the constitution permits, we ensure that all languages are given equitable status. So that at least learners or people that are speaking certain languages, do not feel inferior,” Mr Mtima is quoted as saying.

IsiXhosa and Sesotho are two of South Africa’s 11 official languages.

The Eastern Cape is the homeland of many Xhosa speakers.

Source: BBC