BACKGROUND

Following the prescripts of the Constitution (Section 6, Act No. 108 of 1996) to promote the equitable use of the 11 official languages with a view to facilitating equitable access to government services, knowledge and information, as well as respect for linguistic rights, it is the mandate of the Department of Arts and Culture (DAC) in collaboration with all government language units to run ongoing language awareness campaigns in order to make the nation aware of the constitutional provision on multilingualism. For this reason, it may be a good idea to combine the launch for the 2010 Soccer terminology with this event to create the desired impact in terms of awareness.

AIMS

* Encourage people to use their own language and learn other languages,

* Create awareness of the benefits of living in a multilingual Society,

* Create awareness of the value of the South African linguistic diversity as part of our heritage;

* Promote greater language tolerance in South Africa;

* Encourage public servants to provide a service to clients in their own language;

* Inform business and private sector of the bottom line benefits of implementing multilingual policies; and

* Ensure correct understanding and interpretation of policy at all levels.

Featuring languages for the day will be Tshivenda, Xitsonga, Siswati, isiNdebele and Afrikaans. There will also be live performances by Medu Nakeng and Generation Cast.

Event Venue: Freedom Park
Date: 20 February 2010
Time: 08:30 – 14:00

For further information contact:
Dr Joyce Sukumane
Director:NLS-Language Planning & Developement
Tel: ( 012 441 3253
E-mail: Joyce.sukumane@dac.gov.za

 

 

 

 

 

 

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