Development of an indigenous African language scientific register for natural sciences: Focussing on challenges, opportunities, and perceptions

Abstract

IsiNdebele, as a language of science, remains underdeveloped. The lack of scientific terms hinders the teaching of natural sciences to isiNdebele speakers. The aim of this qualitative interpretative case study, using interviews and a diary, is to explore the process of developing a scientific register for natural sciences for this African indigenous language. The results of the study reveal that, while some stakeholders are in support of using the isiNdebele scientific language register for natural sciences to support learning in their mother tongue, others prefer English as a medium of instruction. English is still seen as the language of economy and power. These perceptions simultaneously determine and threaten the survival of these indigenous languages. It is therefore recommended that scientific language registers be developed in indigenous languages. With these scientific language registers in indigenous languages being developed, stakeholders might change their perceptions of the use of African languages as languages of teaching and learning.