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
[list]
[li]Generic administrative[/li]
[li]Faculties, departments and academic divisions[/li]
[li]Social Work[/li]
[li]Sociology[/li]
[li]Law[/li]
[li]Introduction to Psychology[/li]
[li]Economic and Management Sciences[/li]
[li]Soccer[/li]
[li]Cricket[/li]
[li]Rugby[/li]
[/list]
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.
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