Diploma in Language Practice
Purpose:
Source: SAQA official qualification record. Yiba Verified does not own the underlying qualification data shown on this page.
Qualification type
Diploma (Min 360)
Credits
360
Sub-framework
HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework
Providers listed
0
Qualification snapshot
Official qualification identity fields captured from the qualification record.
Originator
Durban University of Technology
Quality assurance functionary
-
Field
Field 04 - Communication Studies and Language
Subfield
Language
Qual class
Regular-Provider-ELOAC
Recognise previous learning
Y
Important dates
These dates are carried directly from the qualification record.
Registration start
2019-07-25
Registration end
2027-06-30
Last date for enrolment
2028-06-30
Last date for achievement
2033-06-30
Purpose and entry context
Official SAQA text formatted for easier reading.
Purpose and rationale
Purpose
The qualification aims to provide the prospective language practitioners with the contextual knowledge, language skills and ethics needed to effectively and independently combine theory and practice in the areas of translation and interpreting in order to accommodate the pragmatic needs of language and communication clients in both local and international contexts.
Rationale
The rationale for the development of this qualification resonates with the national language policy which "strongly encourages the utilisation of indigenous languages as official languages in order to foster and promote national unity". This qualification aims to capacitate potential language practitioners who intend to acquire the skills and competencies needed in order to perform effectively in the workplace and to maximise the potential of language practitioners to provide excellent services.
This qualification will equip language practitioners with the required knowledge and skills to improve service delivery at their own workplaces, thereby leading to the improvement of their own performance and, at the same time, that of the institution where they will be employed. Furthermore the qualification will provide and equip the prospective language practitioners with the contextual knowledge, bilingual skills and ethics needed to perform competently at a professional standard corresponding to the South African Translator's Institute levels or any other relevant body, equip qualifying learners to become language practitioners in a range of languages and enhance learners' competencies in translation, interpreting, language editing and proofreading various text types at an advanced stage.
Entry requirements and RPL
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
The Recognition of Prior Learning policy allows learners access to higher education by recognising their prior learning (short courses and work experience). The purpose of the RPL policy is:
- To provide a framework for the implementation of Recognition of Prior Learning at the institution.
- To facilitate access and admission to qualifications within education and training and career paths.
- To accelerate redress of past unfair discrimination in education, training and employment opportunities.
- To promote and facilitate lifelong learning.
The structure of this qualification allows for the application of RPL to all prospective learners applying to the Language Practice Qualification.
Entry Requirements
The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is
- National Senior Certificate (NSC).
Or
- Senior Certificate (SC).
Replacement note
This qualification does not replace any other qualification and is not replaced by any other qualification.
Structure and assessment
Qualification rules, exit outcomes, and assessment criteria from the SAQA record.
Qualification rules
This qualification comprises compulsory and elective modules at National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Level 5, 6 and 7 totalling 360 Credits.
Compulsory Modules, Level 5: 88 Credits
- English 102,12 Credits.
- Communication Dynamics, 12 Credits.
- Cornerstone, 12 Credits.
- English for the Arts, 12 Credits.
- Values in the Workplace, 8 Credits.
- Critical Thinking, 12 Credits.
- Equality and Diversity, 8 Credits.
- Social Responsibility and Sustainable Community Development, 12 Credits.
Specialisation Elective, Level 5: 16 Credits (Choose one module)
- Specialisation: Translation 102, 16 Credits.
- Specialisation: Interpreting 102, 16 Credits.
Language Elective, Level 5: 48 Credits
(Choose one module)
- Applied First Language: IsiZulu 101, 12 Credits.
- Applied First Language: IsiXhosa 101, 12 Credits.
- Applied First Language: Afrikaans 101, 12 Credits.
(Choose one module)
- Applied First Language: IsiZulu 102, 12 Credits.
- Applied First Language: IsiXhosa 102, 12 Credits.
- Applied First Language: Afrikaans 102, 12 Credits.
(Choose one module)
- Applied Foreign Language: French 101, 12 Credits.
- Applied Foreign Language: Portuguese 101, 12 Credits.
- Applied Foreign Language: Mandarin 101, 12 Credits.
- South African Sign Language 101, 12 Credits.
(Choose one module)
- Applied Foreign Language: French 102, 12 Credits.
- Applied Foreign Language: Portuguese 102, 12 Credits.
- Applied Foreign Language: Mandarin 102, 12 Credits.
- South African Sign Language 102, 12 Credits.
Compulsory Modules, Level 6: 76 Credits
- English 201, 12 Credits.
- English 202, 12 Credits.
- Language Practice 301, 16 Credits.
- Language Practice 302, 16 Credits.
- Digital Communication and Multimedia, 12 Credits.
- The Entrepreneurial Edge, 8 Credits.
Specialisation Elective, Level 6: 44 Credits
(Choose one module)
- Specialisation: Translation 201, 12 Credits.
- Specialisation: Interpreting 201, 12 Credits.
(Choose one module)
- Specialisation: Translation 202, 12 Credits.
- Specialisation: Interpreting 202, 12 Credits.
(Choose one module)
- Specialisation: Translation 301, 20 Credits.
- Specialisation: Interpreting 301, 20 Credits.
Language Electives, Level 6: 56 Credits.
(Choose one module)
- Applied First Language: IsiZulu 201, 8 Credits.
- Applied First Language: IsiXhosa 201, 8 Credits.
- Applied First Language: Afrikaans 201, 8 Credits.
(Choose one module)
- Applied First Language: IsiZulu 202, 12 Credits.
- Applied First Language: IsiXhosa 202, 12 Credits.
- Applied First Language: Afrikaans 202, 12 Credits.
(Choose one module)
- Applied Foreign Language: French 201, 8 Credits.
- Applied Foreign Language: Portuguese 201, 8 Credits.
- Applied Foreign Language: Mandarin 201, 8 Credits.
- South African Sign Language 201, 8 Credits.
(Choose one module)
- Applied Foreign Language: French 202, 12 Credits.
- Applied Foreign Language: Portuguese 202, 12 Credits.
- Applied Foreign Language: Mandarin 202, 12 Credits.
- South African Sign Language 202, 12 Credits.
(Choose one module)
- Applied Foreign Language: French 301, 16 Credits.
- Applied Foreign Language: Portuguese 301, 16 Credits.
- Applied Foreign Language: Mandarin 301, 16 Credits.
- South African Sign Language 301, 16 Credits.
Compulsory Modules, Level 7, 16 Credits
- English 301, 16 Credits.
Language Electives, Level 7, 16 Credits (choose one module)
- Applied First Language: IsiZulu 301, 16 Credits.
- Applied First Language: IsiXhosa 301, 16 Credits.
- Applied First Language: Afrikaans 301, 16 Credits.
Exit level outcomes
- Apply appropriate techniques and procedures in translating, interpreting and editing a variety of texts.
- Demonstrate proficiency and competency in chosen languages.
- Illustrate an understanding of the importance of translation/interpreting in a multilingual and multicultural society.
- Exhibit the ability to prepare and present multimedia communication as related to specialised professional careers in Language Practice.
- Utilise technological applications in performing communication functions to develop, manage and present workplace materials to diverse audiences.
- Develop innovation, entrepreneurship and leadership competencies and skills in a wide range of applications relevant to the language practitioners work environment.
- Reflect on basic ethical considerations relating to the field of Language Practice in a multicultural and multilingual society with emphasis on critical and engaged citizenry.
- Demonstrate sound knowledge of general and specialised terminology.
Associated assessment criteria
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1
- Apply appropriate techniques and procedures to translation and interpreting in various contexts.
- Apply translation and interpreting theories to a various range of texts and situations.
- Appropriately use text analysis skills used for different texts which are to be translated.
- Proofread and edit various texts, including those that have been translated.
- Appropriately select, use and reference sources of information.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2
- Demonstrate sound knowledge of language usage.
- Apply and discuss theoretical and practical knowledge of Linguistics which includes Morphology, Phonology, Syntax and Semantics in chosen languages.
- Discuss analysis of each type of prose, drama, and modern poetry in chosen languages.
- Properly apply and conceptualise specific concepts in chosen languages.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3
- Demonstrate sound knowledge of the role of translation and interpreting in social cohesion.
- Demonstrate knowledge of the importance of translation and interpreting in the access to information.
- Illustrate awareness of the role of translation and interpreting in upholding language rights.
- Demonstrate awareness of cultural diversity.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4
- Demonstrate the ability to prepare and present multimedia communication in specialised professional contexts.
- Apply procedures of multimedia communication.
- Demonstrate sound knowledge of relevant technological resources for Language Practice.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5
- Utilise the technological applications in performing communication functions.
- Demonstrate ability to develop and manage workplace material.
- Illustrate the ability to use audience-specific technologies.
- Observe principles of ethical considerations in the use of technology in communication.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6
- Illustrate ability to initiate and manage language practice consultancies.
- Demonstrate ability to utilise innovative applications in translating, interpreting and editing.
- Demonstrate the use of critical skills in managing language projects.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7
- Analyse and apply ethics for language practitioners to various scenarios.
- Interrogate diversity within society through self-reflection and group discussion.
- Identify and apply characteristics of a leader in various tasks.
- Reflect upon the role of the individual in the profession and in society.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8
- Illustrate ability to distinguish between general and specialised terminology.
- Demonstrate ability to identify and translate and/or interpret specialised language.
- Apply skills to develop and manage terminology databases.
- Use recognised sources to extract required terminology/vocabulary.
Integrated Assessment
Assessment of fundamentals is integrated as far as possible with other aspects and practical, real-life contexts are used wherever possible. A variety of methods are used in assessment and tools and activities are appropriate to the context(s) in which the learner could work. Learners will be assessed on their performance during work-integrated learning.
The term `Integrated Assessment` implies that theoretical and practical components should be assessed together. Assessors will make use of a range of formative and Summative Assessment tools and assessment methods assess combinations of practical, applied, foundational and reflective competencies.
Continuous assessment is provided through
- Portfolios.
- Simulations.
- Written assignments.
- Written tests.
- Case studies and case presentations.
- Peer group evaluation.
- Competency evaluations of clinical skills.
- Face to face contact with learners.
Progression and comparability
Articulation options
This qualification allows for both horizontal and vertical articulation possibilities.
Horizontal Articulation
- Diploma in Management Sciences, Level 6.
- Diploma in Education, Level 6.
- Diploma in Language Practice and Media Studies, Level 6.
Vertical Articulation
- Advanced Diploma in Language Practice, Level 7.
International comparability
The appellation "language practice" is predominantly used in South Africa, while universities across Europe offer undergraduate qualifications in "applied language studies", which are close to this qualification with regard to content and exit outcomes. Internationally, universities offer translation and interpreting diplomas at postgraduate level, for example, the American University in Cairo (Egypt) and University Sains (Malaysia). As a result, there are no undergraduate diplomas, which we can compare our diplomas with.
Foreign languages have been incorporated into the curriculum to equip our learners for the international market. These foreign languages also make the qualification accessible to international learners. This is in line with the current trend of internationalising the curriculum.
As mentioned before that there are no undergraduate diplomas, which we can compare our diplomas with, the closest we can compare are the international Bachelor degrees listed below.
The University of Dodoma (Tanzania)
The university offers a Bachelor of Arts in Translation and Interpreting that aims at providing graduates with the skills to deal with communication problems within societies of different languages. The qualification also trains Translators and Interpreters to work efficiently in different contexts.
University of Portsmouth, United Kingdom (UK)
The University of Portsmouth offers a Bachelor of Applied Languages that aim at producing graduates with skills to work across different language careers such as communication experts, translators and interpreters, editors, cultural mediators, the media and international organisations. This is similar to the exit outcomes of our Diploma qualification. Their content also includes modules such as first language, foreign language options (French, Mandarin, Portuguese), translation practice and theory, communication and culture; communication theory, etc. These are similar to the modules offered by this Diploma qualification (Applied First Language, Applied Foreign Language, Language and Translation, Communication).
The University of Leuven (Belgium)
The University of Leuven also offers a Bachelor in Applied language studies, in which the learners acquire competence in three languages. The qualification also prepares learners to work in the areas of translation, communication, editing and language research, and these are similar to what the qualification offers. Their content is also comprised of modules such as Communication studies, translation studies, cross-cultural negotiations, first language, foreign language (including English and French). These are also similar to the module offerings, which have already been mentioned.
Pombeu Fabra University of Barcelona (Spain)
This university offers a Bachelor of Applied Language qualification that aims at providing graduates with skills to work in career areas such as: editing, translation, language planning, media and communication. This is similar to the exit outcomes of this Diploma qualification. Their content also includes modules like first language, foreign language, cultural mediation, translating, editing, etc. These are similar to the modules of our Diploma.
Other examples of international degree offerings, which offer translation/interpreting qualifications, are listed below
The professional Diploma in Simultaneous Interpreting aims at developing learners' interpreting competencies, including public speaking and conference interpreting. Moreover, it widens their scope of current events around the globe and builds on their range of terminology used in various areas and fields of interpreting. It trains learners on booth interpreting, skills necessary for consecutive interpreting in conferences and on-site interpreting. It enhances learners' techniques and strategies to overcome challenges likely to arise.
This qualification is similar to this qualification since it offers consecutive and simultaneous interpreting which is what the Diploma in Language Practice also offers. In this Diploma, for learners to graduate they need to successfully completion of 18 CEUs.
Kenya, University of Nairobi, Centre for Translation and Interpretation.
This is a Postgraduate Degree qualification that is designed to equip learners with the theoretical and practical skills necessary for them to become professional translators. Apart from equipping them with the knowledge and understanding of the discipline of translation, the qualification also has a strong practical element in which learners will translate texts from various fields and cultural contexts. The qualification is designed for practicing translators, linguists, professionals from various fields and all those keen on improving their translation skills or starting a career in translation. The qualification offers training in translation in various languages including English, Kiswahili, Arabic, French, Spanish, German and Chinese. This qualification is offered at a Master's level and it is a professional qualification that is more oriented towards practical work rather than research. This qualification is done over a period of 2-years and some of the module that are offered include; Theory of Translation, Practical Translation, Translating in specialised fields which are modules that are also offered in the Diploma in Language Practice.
Czech Republic, Charles University, Department of Translation Studies.
This qualification offers a comprehensive BA and follow-up MA qualifications in six languages, which are Czech, English, French, German, Russian and Spanish.
Hong Kong, Lingnan University, Department of Translation.
This qualification is offered over a period of 4-years and it is a 48-Credits Major Qualification Structure. Even though this qualification is a Degree; it is similar to this qualification when it comes to modules and exit level outcomes.
Poland, University of Lodz, BA in Translation studies.
This university offers a translation track on both BA and MA level of English philology. They offer modules, which are similar to this Diploma which include; Translation Theory, Practical Translation; Introduction to interpreting, Professional Practice.
The School of Translation and Interpreting at Linguistics University of Nizhny Novgorod combines translation and interpreting studies from a foreign language into Russian and vice versa. The objectives are to form professional "translator worldview" that embraces analytical, creative and social competences as well as the motivation for lifelong learning. Recognising the Russian translation market demands, the curriculum unites translation and interpreting studies, providing learners with the skills and the flexibility to perform both tasks professionally in a business context.
The School's strategy is to make learners produce high-quality translations in a variety of genres which are appropriate to their context. Learners are involved into translation or interpreting tasks under simulated conditions, especially developing problem solving techniques under conditions of time and cognitive pressure. Role-playing teaching presupposes that learner assumes the perspective of a participating character (translator, addressee or the recipient of the translation) in a scenario designed to create greater understanding of a topic and of the translator/interpreter's task.
This is also similar to Language practice 301 and 302 (simulations). In this qualification, Interpreting and written translation specification is done in MA only.
Slovenia, University of Ljubljana, Department of Translation Studies
This university offers Translation Studies to learners, which enables them to achieve the level of awareness, knowledge, and skill required for successful translation work. During their studies, they also acquire the basics of interpretation. The specialised study of interpretation is also offered independently as a new, second-cycle Master's study qualification.
Taiwan, National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology, Department of English Graduate Program in Applied Linguistics and TESOL Graduate Program in Interpreting and Translation.
This university offers an Undergraduate BA qualification, M.A. Interpreting and Translation, and, M.A. Applied Linguistics. The Curricula for both the four-year and two-year programs are integrated. Learners in the four-year qualification take both lower division and upper division qualifications, while learners in the two-year program take qualifications in the upper division. Abundant qualifications are offered, including English language training in listening, speaking, reading and writing, Linguistics, English Teaching, Interpretation and Translation, Literature and Culture, Business English, Business Management and E-Commerce. Learners can choose the qualifications according to their interests and career development.
Providers currently listed
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No provider listing was captured on this qualification record.
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