SAQA

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.

SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY

REGISTERED QUALIFICATION:

Advanced Diploma in Language Practice

SAQA QUAL ID	QUALIFICATION TITLE
111624	Advanced Diploma in Language Practice
ORIGINATOR
Central University of Technology, Free State
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY			NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
-			HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework
QUALIFICATION TYPE	FIELD		SUBFIELD
Advanced Diploma	Field 04 - Communication Studies and Language		Language
ABET BAND	MINIMUM CREDITS	PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL	NQF LEVEL	QUAL CLASS
Undefined	120	Not Applicable	NQF Level 07	Regular-Provider-ELOAC
REGISTRATION STATUS		SAQA DECISION NUMBER	REGISTRATION START DATE	REGISTRATION END DATE
Reregistered		EXCO 0821/24	2019-09-03	2027-06-30
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT		LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2028-06-30		2031-06-30

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.

This qualification does not replace any other qualification and is not replaced by any other qualification.

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION

Purpose:
The primary purpose of an Advanced Diploma in Language Practice is to provide entry-level vocational or professional preparation or specialisation for holders of a Bachelor qualification or a Diploma by offering intensive, focused and applied specialisation in Language Practice, which meets the requirements of a specific niche in the labour market. This qualification will also prepare learners for Postgraduate study, through deepening their knowledge and understanding of theories, methodologies and practices in Language Practice.

The Advanced Diploma in Language Practice serves to enhance the skills of Language Practitioners, and serves as a means of further professional development, deepen their existing knowledge regarding theoretical and practice-related problems and to understand theories and practices in a language context. This qualification will also prepare learners for postgraduate study in Language Practice. These learners will be able to resolve complex problems by utilising appropriate methods and techniques in Language Practice.

Rationale:
In the OECD Reviews of Vocational Education and Training Report (2014:58) it is stated that the South African economy needs more artisans and technical skills: "The Accelerated and Shared Growth Initiative for South Africa has identified skilled artisans and vocational skills as critical for sustained growth of the economy".

The National Skills Development Strategy III (2013:6) responded to these challenges by emphasising a need for much more substantial qualifications that will improve and support career-pathing. The Advanced Diploma in Language Practice will strike a balance between a knowledge-based learner society and a work-based industry addressing the skills mismatch issue indicated in recent reports (OECD, 2013; Statistics South Africa, 2014).

Highly competent and skilled Language Practitioners are needed for the effective functioning of the national and provincial industry and economy in South Africa. These specialised practitioners are also required for education and training purposes as well as the development and upliftment of all sections of society. PanSALB or the Pan South African Language Board was established by parliament (Act 59 of 1995), to: develop the 11 official languages and promote multilingualism in South Africa, the constitution also makes reference to the establishment of PanSALB Act mandates that it initiates studies and research aimed at promoting and creating conditions for the development of all 11 official languages.

It is worth noting that Pan South African Language Board (PanSALB) approaches its language development strategies through the following focus areas:

Status Language Planning.

Language in Education.

Translation and Interpreting.

Lexicography, Terminology and Place names.

Development of Literature and Previously Marginalised Languages.

Language Rights and Mediation.

In view of the aforementioned the Advanced Diploma in Language Practice will strive towards producing learners who are skilled in language, translation, lexicography, terminology and will therefore be able to contribute meaningfully to the development of languages in South Africa. Skills development is not just about training people for employment; it must also empower people to create opportunities to make a living for themselves (NSDS III, 2013:19) therefore this qualification will include two 12 Credit bearing modules on entrepreneurship.

Finally, the Advisory Board of the Department of Communication Sciences support the development of a curriculum for learners who want to pursue a career in Language Practice. Specific issues raised by the Advisory Board are the following: they expect graduating learners to be ready for the job market without having to spend additional funds on development; learners should able to write for a variety of purposes as well as edit documents efficiently.

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
In line with the university's policy on RPL provision is already made for admission to learners. Subject to institutional policies, other language related qualifications may be considered for granting credits where those credits reflect cognate fields of learning.

A faculty RPL committee is constituted under the Faculty Board to evaluate each case individually and on its own merits. The procedure for RPL is as follows:

Learners submit their RPL applications to the Centre for Assessment and Graduation.

The learner is required to complete an RPL application form.

Upon submission, it should be accompanied with certified copies of all previous qualifications and a comprehensive Portfolio of Evidence (PoE).

The completed documents will be submitted to the Faculty of Humanities RPL committee for assessment.

The PoE is evaluated against the relevant outcomes before approval or disapproval.

Entry Requirements:
The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:

National Diploma in Language Practice, NQF level 6.
Or

Diploma in Language Practice and Media Studies NQF Level 6.

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING?

QUALIFICATION RULES

This qualification consists of the following compulsory and elective modules at National Qualifications Framework Level 7 totalling 120 Credits.

Compulsory Modules NQF Level 7, 96 Credits:

Language and Translation Studies IV, 24 Credits.

English IV, 24 Credits.

Introduction to Research Methods, 24 Credits.

Creative Writing, 24 Credits.

Elective Modules NQF Level 7, 24 Credits (Choose one):

Afrikaans IV, 24 Credits.

Sesotho IV, 24 Credits.

IsiXhosa IV, 24 Credits.

Setswana IV, 24 Credits.

French IV, 24 Credits.

German IV, 24 Credits.

EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES

1. Acquire integrated knowledge of Language Practice as well as apply and evaluate types of knowledge, including key terms, concepts, facts, principles, rules and theories pertaining to the field.
2. Select and apply different research methods to resolve complex language related problems and provide tangible, evidence-based solutions as well as theory driven arguments.
3. Develop and manage appropriate processes of information gathering in a language related environment or context.
4. Create and communicate ideas as well as opinions in carefully, structured arguments, using appropriate academic, professional or occupational discourse.
5. Communicate, translate, edit and proofread at an advanced level for a variety of purposes in consultation with the appropriate stakeholders.
6. Demonstrate through the revision of creative works, an awareness of the complexity of the revision process.

ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:

Discuss and explain the relationship between theory and practice.

Select and apply appropriate and effective research methodologies.

Critically, logically and objectively analyse professional problems.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:

Display skills in drafting of language plans, promoting language services.

Demonstrate skills in in effective planning and conducting of organisational communication audits.

Demonstrate the use of innovative problem-solving techniques.

Demonstrate competence in sophisticated report writing skills.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:

Demonstrate skills in business writing, conduct a range of formal meetings, compiling a variety of formal reports.

Effective and accurate transfer of meaning from one language to another in professional, community and technical contexts.

Accurate and meticulous correction of language errors in professional texts.

Effective evaluation of various language-related computer applications.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:

Effective and accurate transfer of meaning from one language to another in professional, community and technical contexts.

Successful and appropriate application of various styles and registers to a variety of situations.

Demonstrate listening and summarising skills.

Demonstrate effecting listening, aural and writing skills.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:

Assess the difference between the user's and the translator's view on translation.

Demonstrate knowledge of process of translations.

Know how to interact socially as the key focus of the translator's experience of the world.

Use the workplace as the interactive setting for specialised terminologies.

Acquire skills of translation as an operation performed in and on languages.

Assess competence and acquisition of using social networks.

Acquire knowledge of the impact of culture on translation.

Demonstrate competence when habit fails and the translator needs to check rules and theories.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:

Develop a skill set that will allow learners to identify grammatical errors in a wide variety of texts.

Rewrite texts that are unintelligible.

Demonstrate knowledge of language and form in different literary genres.

Demonstrate skill and thinking creatively when editing texts.

Work independently or collaboratively to provide critical commentary on revised creative works.

Integrated Assessment:
Integrated assessment is used which permits the learner to demonstrate a deep and systematic understanding of current thinking, practice, theory and methodology in Language Practice. As such, a range of formative and summative assessment methods will be used which permits learners to demonstrate competence in their ability to formulate, undertake and resolve more complex theoretical and practice-related problems and tasks through the selection and use of appropriate methods and techniques. For example, a research project/task/assignment that incorporates related outcomes can be given to learners to assess their knowledge, values and skills.

INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY

The Advanced Diploma in Language Practice has been compared to similar qualifications abroad to ensure that the South African qualification is comparable to those qualifications in terms of the Exit Level Outcomes, competencies developed and the standard of performance demanded of graduating learners. Countries whose qualifications were looked at included amongst others, The Centre for Continuing Education, McGill University in Montreal and Auckland University in New Zealand.

Mcgill University - Montreal.
The Graduate Certificate in Legal Translation is designed to equip learners and working professionals in the legal and business communities with specialised training to enhance their current competencies or to prepare them for work in both the public and private sectors in the areas of legal translation, co-writing, and drafting in bilingual and multilingual environments. Translation will be primarily from English to French or French to English.

The entry requirement for the qualification is an undergraduate degree from an approved university with a minimum cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of 3.0 out of 4.0. The qualification articulates to a Graduate Diploma in a related field.

University of Auckland: New Zealand.
A Diploma in Interpreting and Translation is offered. The Diploma in Interpreting and Translation offers many opportunities for professional interpreters and translators. The Diploma in Interpreting and Translation helps learners to develop their skills for a career in interpreting or translation. It's designed to prepare the learner for work in a variety of community settings in New Zealand or carry out translation assignments for clients in New Zealand and elsewhere. All papers in this qualification have an online component and some lectures are taught in a virtual classroom. Translation lectures are fully online, while lectures in interpreting papers are taught face-to-face on campus.

The entry requirement is a Bachelor's degree or a relevant professional qualification, or approved professional experience. An applicant seeking admission on the basis of their professional experience must have a minimum of five years of relevant experience or practice. The qualification articulates to a Graduate Diploma in Arts Translation.

From the comparability exercise it is evident that qualifications related to translation and interpretation are similar but not identical. At some institutions, Certificates or Diploma qualifications are offered in the field of translation and they equip learners with the knowledge and skills that they require to become competent in their area of expertise. What makes the Advanced Diploma in Language Practice unique is the fact that the learners will have an undergraduate qualification (Diploma: Language Practice and Media Studies) that not only lays the foundation to specialise further in language, translation and interpretation but also will equip learners with a foundation in Media Studies. Furthermore, the Advanced Diploma in Language Practice will equip learners with the knowledge and skills to become entrepreneurs, by offering two modules in Entrepreneurship. By introducing 2 foundational modules on Entrepreneurship the qualification aligns itself to the graduate attributes (one of them being entrepreneurship). This contributes to the uniqueness of the qualification.

ARTICULATION OPTIONS

This qualification allows possibilities for both vertical and horizontal articulation.

Horizontal Articulation:

Bachelor of Arts in Language Practice, NQF Level 7.

Vertical Articulation:

Postgraduate Diploma in Language Practice, NQF Level 8.

MODERATION OPTIONS

N/A

CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS

N/A

NOTES

N/A

LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS 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