Data_classroom discourse.pdf
South African education system supports the use of previously marginalised indigenous languages as a sign of reform and to ensure inclusivity and equitable access to education. However, using indigenous languages in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) is a debated subject. Nevertheless, there is an emerging interest towards the use of indigenous languages in Mathematics and science, which is evident through initiatives such as the piloted Mother Tongue based Bilingual Education (MTbBE). Such initiatives require learning resources in various indigenous languages to succeed. In addition, the effectiveness of such resources needs to be investigated.
This is a qualitative research that use a case study approach to investigate the influence of scientific language register written in Sepedi on classroom interaction and discourse. The study involves three schools in Seotlong circuit, and each school is treated as a case. Each case consists of one Sepedi-speaking Natural Sciences and Technology (NST) teacher and one Intermediate Phase classroom of Sepedi-speaking learners. The data from these participants was collected using lesson observations and diary entries. Inductive Content Analysis was used to analyse the data.
The results indicated that the classrooms were interactive in all three cases. This shows that Sepedi scientific language register positively influenced the classroom atmosphere and encouraged interaction. This is important in science, which aims to promote enquire based leaning. This highlights the importance of the developing and using indigenous language learning materials in NST to facilitate teaching and learning.
Sepedi scientific language register brings together language and science. Thus, closing the gap between science and local languages, and allowing free interaction between learners and teachers without language barrier. Therefore, it was proven to be an effective learning resource for teaching NST. Hence, this study recommends the use of Sepedi scientific language register as a learning tool for NST.
