Postgraduate Diploma in Language Practice

Purpose

The purpose of this qualification is to provide learners with intellectual enrichment in the field by providing them with an advanced understanding of current thinking, theory, and international trends in the field.

The qualification will provide learners with intensive, focused, and applied specialisation in the competency of translation, interpreting, research, business practice, human language terminology, terminology development and language planning and management. It equips learners with the knowledge and skills required to broaden the scope of their function in the Language Practice environment, and further attempts to provide a holistic integrated approach to the learner's broad range of competencies.

This qualification will enable learners to grow as professionals and as reflective practitioners who can base decisions on a solid theoretical understanding. In addition, they will contribute to an improved understanding of the field of Language Practice in South Africa.

Upon completion of this qualification, qualifying learners will be able to

• Apply advanced techniques and procedures in translating or interpreting a variety of texts, using applicable theories.
• Evaluate the importance of language practice in a multilingual and multicultural society.
• Utilise technological equipment and applications to perform advanced language practice functions.
• Acquire ethical and professional behaviour as a language practitioner.
• Utilise advanced theories and skills to plan and manage language matters in various contexts

Rationale

The qualification will enable learners to continue the academic study of language practice as well as acquire the necessary skills for research. With the continued study of more complex practices within the field as well as the necessary research knowledge and skills, learners who complete this qualification will be well prepared to work in technical and complex language practice environments as well as a clear path for academic progression to higher degrees. Interaction with employers via the Advisory Boards indicate that they prefer to employ those with a more advanced practical and theoretical understanding of their field of work. This qualification acknowledges this input from the employers.

The relevance of the qualification has enabled the department to source feedback from peers across the higher education sector to ensure that learners complete a qualification on par with peers in other institutions.

Various stakeholders also contributed to the design of the curriculum of this qualification. These stakeholders include the academic staff members of the department, learners, advisory board members, alumni, academic peers from other institutions, the Centre for Quality Promotion and Assurance, the Centre for Excellence in Learning and Teaching, and the Department of Management Information Systems.

Language Practice in its many aspects wields enormous power in the construction of national identities and nowhere is this truer than in South Africa. Language Practice has always been important even in the apartheid era.

In recent years, the government has explicitly acknowledged the important role played by the various aspects of language practice in raising the status of a language.

The National Language Policy Framework (2003) makes three stipulations

• All National Government structures and public institutions must adopt one or more working languages (for intra and inter-departmental purposes).
• All official Government publications must appear in all eleven languages, failing which, in six languages on a rotational basis.
• Official correspondence and oral communication with members of the public must occur in the language of the citizens' choice, and where this is not possible every effort must be made to utilize language practitioners' services where practically possible.

The qualification promotes nation-building through widening access by providing learners with a wider variety of languages to work in. This approach helps learners and their communities to understand cultural diversity to create a more inclusive society.

The qualification is designed with the focus on learner-centeredness, ethical practice and application of knowledge. There is a growing need for skilled language practitioners in a multilingual country like South Africa, especially for those who can work in highly advanced settings. The qualification aims to develop language practitioners who are able to systematically study a particular phenomenon within the field, compare findings with existing literature and formulate an appropriate research report.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

This qualification may be achieved in part or completely through the Recognition of Prior Learning, which includes formal, informal, and non-formal learning and work experience. The Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) assessment process involves the identification, mediation, assessment and acknowledgement of knowledge and skills obtained through informal and non-formal learning. RPL is applied in terms of policy and criteria of the institution. The necessary documentary evidence will have to be provided and a formal RPL process will be followed. The institution will apply in this qualification the RPL for both access and credits in line with the National Policy and Criteria for the Implementation of RPL (Amended in March 2019).

RPL for Access

Learners who do not meet the minimum entry requirements of the required qualification may be considered for RPL. There are two options:

• Advanced Standing, in which case the minimum entry requirements are waived by the admitting institution based on evidence of prior learning, work experience or any other relevant circumstances that may apply to an individual learner. No portfolio is required.

OR

• Applicants may provide evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates that the applicant has acquired sufficient relevant knowledge, skills, and competencies to be able to reasonably meet the expectations for learning demanded by the qualification for which they are seeking access.
• In instances where RPL is applied for the purposes of access, no credits will be awarded for any previous learning. However, the candidate may choose the option of being assessed for credit.

RPL for credits

Learners who do meet the necessary entry requirements for admission to a qualification may be awarded some or all the credits towards the qualification. There are two possibilities:

• Learners may apply for RPL to be exempted from a module or some modules by providing sufficient evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates that a level of competency, equivalent to the learning outcomes of the module or modules, has been achieved. Credits will be awarded for such modules.

OR

• Learners may apply for RPL to be awarded all the credits required for the qualification. Sufficient evidence must be provided that demonstrates a level of competency equivalent to all the learning outcomes of the qualification

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• Advanced Diploma in Language Practice, NQF Level 7.

Or

• A relevant qualification in the related field, NQF Level 7.

This qualification consists of the following compulsory and Elective modules at National Qualifications Framework Level 8 totalling 120 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, Level 8,76 Credits

• Research Methodology
• Advanced Translation and Interpreting Theory
• Language Planning and Management
• Research - Mini dissertation
• Terminology Development

Elective Modules, Level 8, 44 Credits

• Business Practice, 12 Credits.

Or

• Human Language Technology
• Advanced Translation Practice I, 16 Credits.

Or

• Advanced Interpreting Practice I
• Advanced Translation Practice II, 16 Credits

Or

• Advanced Interpreting Practice II

1. Apply advanced techniques and procedures in translating or interpreting a variety of texts, using applicable theories.
2. Evaluate the importance of language practice in a multilingual and multicultural society.
3. Utilise technological equipment and applications to perform advanced language practice functions.
4. Acquire ethical and professional behaviour as a language practitioner.
5. Utilise advanced theories and skills to plan and manage language matters in various contexts.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Apply advanced techniques and procedures to translation and interpreting in various contexts.
• Apply language practice theories to a range of more complex texts and situations.
• Use advanced text analysis skills appropriately when dealing with a variety of texts.
• Apply proofreading and editing of more complicated texts as part of translation practice.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Demonstrate critical reflection of policies and laws relating to the field of Language Practice.
• Demonstrate knowledge of the role of language practitioners in achieving social cohesion in a multilingual and multicultural setting.
• Demonstrate critical reflection on the importance of translation, interpreting and terminology development in promoting access to information in accordance with the Batho Pele principles.
• Illustrate critical awareness of cultural diversity and the importance of language in cultural identity.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Compare and utilise a greater variety of technological applications and equipment in performing fit-for-purpose language practice functions.
• Demonstrate the ability to independently and confidently develop and manage workplace material.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• Apply ethics for language practitioners to various increasingly complex scenarios.
• Explain and justify decisions taken in response to case studies.
• Display and reflect the role of the individual language practitioner, in the profession and society.
• Apply ethical standards in the use of technology in communication and for language practice functions.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5

• Demonstrate the ability to use relevant theories in designing and managing language policies.
• Demonstrate the ability to use an appropriate methodology in conducting language-related research.
• Select, use, and reference sources of information appropriately.
• Demonstrate the use of critical analysis in managing language projects.
• Create and maintain terminology databases for specific environments.