University of Cape Town adds isiXhosa to official list of languages

The University of Cape Town (UCT) has officially recognised isiXhosa as one of its three official languages, alongside English and Afrikaans, as part of its commitment to multilingualism and inclusivity.

The university’s newly revised language policy aims to ensure that isiXhosa is used in all official university communications, marking a significant step toward the promotion of indigenous South African languages within academic spaces.

Promoting Indigenous Languages in Higher Education

The updated policy also encourages undergraduate students who do not already have proficiency in an indigenous South African language to take an isiXhosa communication course as part of their studies. This initiative is designed to bridge language gaps and make the university a more inclusive learning environment for all students.

University of Cape Town

Professor Lolie Makhubu-Badenhorst, UCT’s director for the multilingual project, has highlighted the importance of language accessibility in education.

“If we are only using a language that is foreign to the student, then the student cannot access knowledge. Therefore, you might as well teach to the desks because not all students can benefit from the lecture or communicate freely with the lecturer,” she explained.

This shift reflects a broader national effort to uplift indigenous languages that have historically been marginalised in academic and professional settings.

A Step Towards Linguistic Inclusivity

The revised policy is not just about isiXhosa—it also aims to support the recognition and development of other languages with deep roots in South Africa.

UCT has identified the following languages for further development:

• Afrikaaps (Kaaps) – A variant of Afrikaans spoken primarily in the Western Cape.
• South African Sign Language (SASL) – To enhance accessibility for deaf and hard-of-hearing students.
• Khoekhoegowab and N|uu – Indigenous Khoisan languages spoken by the Khoi and San communities.

By supporting these languages, UCT is taking an active role in preserving linguistic diversity and fostering a more inclusive academic environment.

Language and Learning: Why This Change Matters

Language plays a crucial role in how students learn, engage, and express themselves. For many South African students, English and Afrikaans have historically been barriers to learning, as they are not their home languages.

By introducing isiXhosa as an official language, UCT is ensuring that students who speak isiXhosa as a first language will have greater access to educational resources and academic support in their mother tongue.

This move is expected to:
Improve comprehension for isiXhosa-speaking students.
Encourage cultural pride and identity among indigenous language speakers.
Break down communication barriers between lecturers and students.
Promote linguistic diversity in academic spaces.

South Africa’s Shift Toward Multilingualism

UCT’s language policy update aligns with South Africa’s broader constitutional commitment to promoting all official languages and preserving indigenous languages.

Other universities in the country have also taken steps to incorporate indigenous languages into their academic programs:
University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) – Requires all students to take isiZulu language courses.
Stellenbosch University – Has expanded Afrikaaps (Kaaps) research initiatives.
University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) – Has included South African Sign Language in some courses.

These efforts show a growing national awareness of the importance of language inclusivity in higher education.

What’s Next for UCT’s Language Policy?

With isiXhosa now officially recognised at UCT, the next steps will involve:
Integrating isiXhosa into university documents, signage, and communication platforms.
Expanding isiXhosa language courses for students and staff.
Developing academic resources in isiXhosa to support student learning.
Encouraging research on multilingualism and the development of indigenous languages.

UCT’s move to prioritise indigenous languages is a powerful step toward decolonising education and ensuring that all students, regardless of their language background, can thrive in the university environment.

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