Diploma in Language Practice

Purpose

The purpose of this qualification is to provide learners with knowledge to apply both theoretical and practical, within the broader context of language studies, to acquire and demonstrate skills and applied competencies necessary for Language Practitioners. Learners will gain skills in various language related focus areas to be able to translate, interpret and edit effectively and independently with a specific focus on providing them with practical language skills that can be applied in a variety of industry-related contexts. Furthermore, the qualification will provide the learners with skills such as information acquisition, organisational, inter and intrapersonal communication skills that would enable them to become a lifelong learner and to innovatively participate as responsible citizens when engaging in communities. They will be professionally equipped with the requisite educational background and practical expertise to contribute meaningfully to the socioeconomic and political growth of the country, and to fill the current gap in qualified and competent professionals in the field of languages and its applications national and internationally.

Rationale

South Africa is a multilingual developing country. As such there is a need for language practitioners to facilitate communication between languages within the borders of the country. Both the public and the private sector have legal obligations to communicate in all the official languages. As a developing country, liaison with other countries is imperative for economic and social advancement. It is becoming increasingly important for industry to include competent language practitioners in order to be competitive both locally and internationally. This qualification will provide learners with the required translation, interpreting and editing skills that are essential for South Africa's social, economic and political development.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Learners with very relevant or related previous qualifications can be admitted into this qualification through RPL route. As per institutional policy, Credits towards this qualification may be obtained by means of Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• National Senior Certificate National Qualifications Framework(NQF) Level 4.

This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at National Qualifications Framework Level 5 and 6 totalling 360 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, Level 5, 89 Credits

• Analytical Reading and Writing 1, 20 Credits.
• General Language Dynamics I, 15 Credits.
• English 1, 20 Credits.
• Life Skills, 2 Credits.
• Language and Translation Practice 1, 20 Credits.
• Information Literacy I, 2 Credits.
• Computer Literacy, 10 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, Level 6, 271 Credits

• African Language 1, 20 Credits.
• Language 1, 15 Credits.
• Language and Translation Practice 2, 20 Credits.
• Computer Literacy II, 10 Credits.
• African Language 2, 20 Credits.
• English 2, 20 Credits.
• Language 2, 10 Credits.
• Analytical Reading and Writing 2, 20 Credits.
• Work Integrated Learning(WIL) in Language Practice II, 10 Credits.
• General Language Dynamics, 10 Credits.
• Language 3, 10 Credits.
• Professional Writing, 10 Credits.
• Introduction to Basic SA Sign Language 1, 6 Credits.
• General Language Dynamics 3, 10 Credits.
• WIL in Language Practice III, 20 Credits.
• Language and Translation Practice 3, 20 Credits.
• African Language 3, 20 Credits.
• English 3, 20 Credits.

1. Learners should demonstrate foundational knowledge of proofreading, editing and translating texts in both the primary languages as well as show capability to interpret efficiently in both the primary languages.
2. Learners should demonstrate ability apply appropriate linguistics, literary and professional theories in both primary languages to produce professional industry-related texts in field-related contexts within industry and be able to present and communicate such information using appropriate academic and professional conventions, formats and technologies.
3. Learners should demonstrate an ability to conduct basic research in the field practical demonstration, including an understanding of, and respect for, conventions around intellectual property, copyright and plagiarism.
4. Learners should demonstrate the ability to apply the integrated knowledge gained from theory and the practical experience from the industry by being able to implement language development programmes; market and promote language services effectively.

The following Associated Assessment Criteria will be used in an integrated manner across the Exit Level Outcomes

• Demonstrate cultural, grammatical and other relevant linguistic knowledge pertaining to both languages practically. Performing appropriate and accurate translations and interpreting at this level. Demonstrate efficient and adequate use of relevant technological aids.
• Demonstrate advanced precis and paraphrasing skills. Correct mark-up of advanced written text with appropriate international proofreading sings, using appropriate technology.
• Demonstrate advanced competence in grammar, syntax, punctuation, register, style and cultural reference. Display highly developed interpersonal communication skills. Advanced skills in posing solutions to language and communication problems. Demonstrate ability effectively to sell and explain concepts.
• Apply language teaching methodology efficiently. Structure, prioritise and organise knowledge for presentation. Devise and implement appropriate learning strategies effective course management skills.
• Write effective (public) speeches for various purposes. Use relevant technologies efficiently.
• Demonstrate skills to produce publication texts for various audiences, purposes and media. Prove understanding of the production process and costing factors. Plan content and layout.
• Prove skills in planning, budgeting, scheduling and implementation. Demonstrate appropriate choice and efficient preparation of materials and topics.
• Demonstrate appropriate advanced skills in Business Correspondence Public Speaking. Persuasive Communication.
• Plan effective marketing campaigns through the media. Writing effective business proposals and tenders.
• Demonstrate abilities to apply current media to good effect in language communication, e.g. Video Radio, Print Internet).
• Design and implement research appropriate to simple problems.
• Clear, unambiguous, logical reports detailing methods, findings, conclusions and pragmatic recommendations. Correct and effective persuasive application of statistical communication.
• Participate adequately in a wide variety of everyday communicative tasks. Satisfy the requirements of training and work situations at a basic level. Demonstrated ability to interpret and use the idiom of the third language. Demonstrated awareness and advanced knowledge of third language culture.
• Demonstrated skills in managing and motivating staff.
• Draft and implement an effective business plan. Demonstrate practical ability to apply basic management skills.

Integrated Assessment

Theoretical approach to assessment involves both the conceptual and contextual knowledge assessed using assessment tasks such as informal and formal tests and examinations for the purpose of summative assessment. Formative assessment is conducted through assessment tasks such as assignments (self-study) and presentations. The practical approach to assessment includes the knowledge, skills and applied competencies are assessed using assessment tasks such as practical reports, written practical tests and practical skills tests for the purpose of both summative and formative assessment. Integrated assessment is coherently designed as an integral part of the learning process to ensure full alignment with academic programmes in terms of the purpose and learning content of the programme and its modules, learning outcomes, assessment criteria, assessment opportunities and strategies. Integrated assessment will be put into practice by assessing a number of: outcomes, assessment criteria, using a combination of assessment methods and instruments for an outcome or outcomes and collecting naturally occurring evidence, and acquiring evidence from other sources such as portfolios, logbooks, journals etc. Any, or a combination of, seminars; workshops; projects and portfolios of evidence. Continuous assessment through oral presentations and practical work (translation, editing and interpreting) as well as written examinations. In concluding, for all the assessment purposes to be achieved, class tests, semester tests, assignments (self - study), presentations, examinations, practical reports, written practical tests (continuous and summative) will be used as assessment methods.