The best way to learn a new language is through interaction.
This is the mantra of Dr Ignatius Khan Ticha, the Language Coordinator for the Faculty of Applied Sciences.
Ticha, with the support of the faculty, has rolled out a language programme aimed at helping lecturers sharpen their communication skills by becoming proficient in isiXhosa and Afrikaans, two of the regional languages.
With CPUT boasting a multicultural student as well as staff population, Ticha, says it is important for lecturers to be able to converse with everyone in the CPUT community.
Since the introduction of the programmes, a large number of lecturers have completed basic courses in
isiXhosa and Afrikaans. The faculty has also rolled out a French language proficiency programme and later this year, additional isiXhosa classes will be presented for those who want to improve on their basic skills, says Ticha.
The latest group that successfully completed the intermediate isiXhosa class included Dr Richard Munembe, who is the Acting Assistant Dean of the Faculty of Applied Sciences.
“I enrolled for the classes because I want to interact and relate better with my students,” he says.
Munembe has also enrolled for the Afrikaans course.
David Walker, a lecturer in the Department of Marine and Environmental Science, says while learning a new language is challenging, he enjoyed attending the classes.
The isiXhosa classes, which were presented by Xhosa Fundis, focuses on interactive learning. Lessons incorporate activities such as word searchers, Pictionary, bingo and various other word based games.
“It’s a really interactive course that focuses on everyday usage of the language,” says Walker.
He encouraged other lecturers to enroll for upcoming classes.
