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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Master of Arts in IsiZulu 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
110144  Master of Arts in IsiZulu 
ORIGINATOR
University of KwaZulu-Natal 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
-   HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Master's Degree  Field 04 - Communication Studies and Language  Language 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  180  Not Applicable  NQF Level 09  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Registered-data under construction  EXCO 0324/24  2024-07-01  2027-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2028-06-30   2031-06-30  

Registered-data under construction

The qualification content is currently being updated for the qualifications with the status “Registered-data under construction” or showing “DETAILS UNDER CONSTRUCTION” to ensure compliance with SAQA’S Policy and Criteria for the registration of qualifications and part-qualifications on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) (As amended, 2022). These qualifications are re-registered until 30 June 2027 and can legitimately be offered by the institutions to which they are registered.

 

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.  

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:
The purpose of the Master of Arts in Isizulu is to enable learners to exercise creativity and critical thinking in teaching and learning of isiZulu. Principles learnt will assist learners to progress in their studies and equip themselves in conducting research in the field of African Languages and be able to compete with peers locally and abroad. Learners will be trained to compete in the field of language practitioners within government and in the private sector in a specialised and professional way. The qualification exposes learners to a variety of well-rounded learning opportunities and encourages them to explore theoretical engagement within the Field of isiZulu. Learners come from different backgrounds and most have not been exposed to the specific aspects of isiZulu offered in this qualification viz. language legislation and policies in South Africa and processes of language planning and development including historical analysis and language debates in South Africa.

Rationale:
Learners are taught creative literary skills, the scientific analysis of literature as well as the phonetics, phonology and syntax of the isiZulu language. Second language learners acquire speaking, reading and writing skills and are introduced to traditional and modern literature. This is in line with the new language policy of multi-lingualism. There is a component on lexicography both theoretical and practical components for those who wish to become lexicographers, terminographers, translators and interpreters, editors, language planners, etc. From an economic point of view, the most important task of the translator is to develop and promote the translation industry. In this context, we think of the accreditation body for language workers under the Pan South African Language Board (PANSALB). 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
The principles underlying outcomes-based, source-based and life-long learning, in which considerations of articulation and mobility play a significant role are subscribed to.that the Recognition of Prior Learning, whether acquired by formal education curricula or informally (by experience) is an indispensable element in deciding on admission to and awarding credits in an explicitly selected qualification.

Learner who does not meet the minimum entry requirements, but who can demonstrate (through the production of substantial and satisfactory evidence) experiential or work-based learning or a non-formal qualification (or a combination), may be considered for admission.The Recognition of Prior Learning may be applied for the achievement of the qualification in part or in full.

Entry Requirements:
The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:
  • Bachelor of Arts Honours in IsiZulu, Level 8.
  • Cognate Bachelor Honours Degree, Level 8. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at National Qualifications Framework Level 9 totalling 192 Credits.
  • IsiZulu Phonology, Morphology & Syntax, 32 Credits.
  • Short Dissertation: IsiZulu, 96 Credits.
  • Linking Linguistics with Lexicography, 32 Credits.
  • Language Planning, 32 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Demonstrate critical understanding and analysis of the frameworks and criteria for analysing the content of written material.
    2. Conduct research into historical and socio-cultural factors.
    3. Understanding the origins of local indigenous people.
    4. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of policies and rules that regulate rural ecotourism nationally.
    5. Show an understanding of the importance of cultural and biodiversity conservation.
    6. Critically evaluate theories.
    7. Evaluate, assess and critique their work as well as that of peers.
    8. Identify different approaches, interpretations, theories of categorisation, and learn to adjust to the concept of numerous universal truths and knowledge. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
  • Demonstrate a thorough knowledge of the general field of inquiry.
  • Demonstrate detailed knowledge of specific areas of inquiry in the qualification.
  • Understand the interrelationships amongst various areas of the field of knowledge.
  • Analyse components/issues/factors/structures, etc.
  • Demonstrate a thorough knowledge of current critical debates.
  • Summarise, compare and evaluate a substantial body of knowledge.
  • Construct a sustained argument, formulate questions and work towards solutions.
  • Command the conceptual discourse of the field of study.
  • Solve problems, both theoretical and applied.
  • Contextualise this study within the social environment and the historical understanding.
  • Develop a clear understanding of the historical and contemporary state and possible future of the chosen disciplinary areas.
  • Demonstrate a command of academic isiZulu at an appropriate level.
  • Demonstrate familiarity with information technology at an appropriate level.
  • Understand diversity.
  • Demonstrate a capacity for individual study.
  • Work efficiently with groups.
  • Present findings at an appropriate level, both orally and in writing.
  • Carry out a substantial independent research project conforming to acknowledged scholarly protocols.

    Integrated Assessment:
    In order for the assessment purposes: develop critical understanding and analysis of the frameworks and criteria for analysing the content, conduct research into historical and sociocultural factors, understanding the origins of local indigenous people and evaluate, assess and critique their work as well as that of peers to be achieved, assignments, formal academic essays, seminar presentations, case study, examination of modules and dissertation will form part of assessment methods. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    Internationally, there is no university that offers a Master's Degree in IsiZulu because it is a South African Language. However, universities internationally offer Master's Degrees in Foreign Languages, or in an African Language. In some of these qualifications Literature and linguistics are separated but they offer similar components such as morphology, syntax, lexicography, socio-linguistics, translation and interpreting. Such universities in Africa are: University of Dar es Salaam, University of Lesotho, University of Zimbabwe and universities outside Africa are the University of Macquarie, Aston University, University of New Zealand, University of Maryland, York University andthe University of Denver.

    Conclusion:
    Eventhough there is no Master's Degree offered intenationally in IsiZulu there are international Master's Degrees in foreign languages including some African languages. These Master's Degrees contain the same general content as this Master of Arts in isiZulu and many contain a substantial research component as well. It can be said that this Master's Degree compares with Master's Degrees in foreign languages offered internationally. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification allows for both vertical and horizontal articulation options:
    Vertical Articulation:
  • Doctor of Philosophy in African Languages, Level 10.

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Master of African Languages, Level 9.
  • Master of Arts in Applied Language Studies, Level 9. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

    NOTES 
    N/A 

    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    When qualifications are replaced, some (but not all) of their learning programmes are moved to the replacement qualifications. If a learning programme appears to be missing from here, please check the replaced qualification.
     
    NONE 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.
     
    NONE 


    All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.