Stellenbosch University Xhosa Department, The Unit for isiXhosa has a twofold function of advancing Xhosa by means of terminology development and offering basic language-acquisition courses to students, university staff and private individuals.
To date, the Unit has developed 11 integrated terminology books on the following subjects:
Generic academic
- Generic administrative
- Faculties, departments and academic divisions
- Social Work
- Sociology
- Law
- Introduction to Psychology
- Economic and Management Sciences
- Soccer
- Cricket
- Rugby
To facilitate the teaching of Xhosa, the Unit developed two books, namely IsiXhosa for BeginnersandMasincokole Ngempilo (a course book aimed specifically at health professionals).
Pumlani Sibula, the Unit head, was invited to teach Xhosa in Chicago, USA, in 2009 and returned with a group of American students who offered their services to the surrounding communities. Pumlani received the Rector’s Award for Excellent Service and for General Performance in both 2009 and 2011.
Although the Unit initially had only one staff member, who was also the head of the Unit, it expanded in 2009 by appointing a full-time lecturer, Luvuyo Martins, and an office manager, Grant Ngidi. Apart from teaching Xhosa to staff members of the University and International Office students, the Unit is currently assisting in offering Xhosa to the Foundation and Intermediate phases of the Faculty of Education in collaboration with Phumla Kese, the Xhosa lecturer.
Unit for isiXhosa
The Unit for isiXhosa offers Xhosa language-acquisition courses and develops terminology lists for the academic departments of Stellenbosch University.
These lists are compiled with the main aim of offering academic support to students with Xhosa as mother tongue by enabling them to study parts of their academic work in their own language. The Unit has already developed several terminology lists, which are listed here.
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The lists have been published and can be bought from the Unit.
Click here for directions to the Unit of isiXhosa.
Contact details
Grant Ngidi
021 808 9097
isiXhosa Language Acquisition
Have you ever wished that you could get your tongue around those isiXhosa clicks? Being able to speak a third language not only gives you a head start in your career but also exposes you to another culture and gives you an opportunity to communicate with so many more people.
If you have always wanted to learn isiXhosa but have never made time to do so, this is your chance. Our Masabelane ngesiXhosa course is available for all SU staff members.
In this course, you will learn, among others, the following:
- How to greet someone and introduce yourself
- How to invite someone for a meal or a drink
- How to make or answer telephone calls
- How to give directions on campus and elsewhere
- How to ask for help at a service station
In 2018 the Masabelane ngesiXhosa course is presented during the following periods:
- 6 February to 14 March
- 9 April to 16 May
- 24 July to 3 September
- 18 September to 25 October
The classes for each presentation of the course will be on Mondays and Wednesdays.
For more information, please contact Grant Ngidi at 021 808 9097. The number of participants is restricted to ensure individual attention, so enrol now to avoid disappointment. We also could tailor courses for clients outside the University.
Learning a new language is an exciting challenge and may be easier than you think!