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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Advanced Diploma in Language Practice 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
115397  Advanced Diploma in Language Practice 
ORIGINATOR
Durban University of Technology 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHE - Council on Higher Education  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  2019-12-17  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 replaces: 
Qual ID Qualification Title Pre-2009 NQF Level NQF Level Min Credits Replacement Status
1389  Bachelor of Technology: Language Practice  Level 7  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L7  480  Complete 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:
The purpose of the Advanced Diploma in Language Practice is to produce language practitioners with an enhanced understanding of the language practice profession. They will understand the contexts in which it functions and the ethical principles that inform it. In the multi-lingual country like South Africa, there is a growing need for reflective and critical language practitioner. The learners of this Advanced Diploma will be able to hone their practical skills as well as deepen their theoretical understanding of the environment and practice of translation, interpreting, editing and language planning.

The merger of theory and practice in the curriculum will enable learners to be able to demonstrate competencies of general knowledge and intellectual abilities needed to succeed in the professional environment of language practice.

Rationale:
South Africa is a multilingual country with approximately 25 languages spoken in the country, 11 of which have been granted official status in terms of Section 6 of the Constitution, Act No. 108 of 1996. The National Language Policy Framework "strongly encourages the utilisation of indigenous languages as official languages to foster and promote national unity". The rationale for the development of this qualification, therefore, resonates with this national language policy. In line with the national language policy, the establishment of the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Language Service provided the Kwa Zulu-Natal Provincial Languages Bill of 2012. Each provincial government department will establish its language unit, which will have a monumental demand for language practitioners in the province. Therefore this institution is well placed to meet this demand. The Advanced Diploma in Language Practice, therefore, fits into the official multilingual status of South Africa and is aimed at improving the skills and related knowledge of entry-level language practitioners. The qualification will ensure better-skilled language practitioners who can provide better services, thereby creating better employment opportunities.

Also, a large number of applications into the BTech in Language Practice each year indicate that there is a need for a qualification at this level. Feedback from the alumni of the Qualification and from industry through the Advisory Board also indicate a need to refine the skills and competencies offered by the current BTech in Language Practice. The Advanced Diploma in Language Practice replaces the Bachelor of Technology in Language Practice. The Advanced Diploma builds on the latter to offer a curriculum designed to better address the changing requirements of the language practice professional environment.

The qualification also takes cognisance of the role of international languages in the context of globalisation. The qualification offers a wide range of foreign languages to enable graduates to function as language practitioners on the global stage. This Advanced Diploma will also provide an academic pathway for undergraduate Language Practice learners as per the NQF level. It will enable them to gain academic skills necessary for pursuing higher qualifications in future. The qualification aims to develop and as a result, become creative problem solvers who understand the important role they play as professionals within society. They will also begin to consider Language Practice as a field of research. The qualification also prepares learners for postgraduate studies in the field of language studies. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
The institution has an RPL policy in place that allows learners access to higher education by Recognising their Prior Learning (short courses and work experience). The purpose of the RPL policy is:
  • To provide a framework for the implementation of Recognition of Prior Learning procedures within the institution.
  • RPL will facilitate access and granting credits to learning within education and training and career paths.
  • RPL will accelerate redress of past unfair discrimination in education, training and employment opportunities.
  • To promote and facilitate lifelong learning.

    The learners must complete an RPL application document. Accompanying the RPL application must be certified copies of all previous qualifications and a comprehensive portfolio reflecting on extensive work learning. Once the institution's RPL coordinator has deemed the RPL application as being complete, the Faculty of Arts and Design will assess the portfolio. The department of Media, Language and Communication's RPL committee will assess the learner's portfolio thoroughly against the relevant learning outcomes. The learners will have to demonstrate competence at the applicable Exit Level Outcomes. Successful learners will apply for admission the qualification.

    The structure of this qualification allows for the application of RPL. The implementation procedures involve an RPL administrator, the Faculty Officers, Head of Department, Executive Dean. The RPL learner has roles and responsibilities in the process to fulfil. The Director of the Centre for Excellence and Learning through Teaching (CELT) is responsible for the monitoring of the implementation of the RPL institutionally.

    Entry Requirements:
    The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:
  • Diploma in Language Practice, NQF, Level 6. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    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 Dynamics, 12 Credits.
  • Translation and Interpreting Practice 401, 16 Credits.
  • Intercultural Studies, 12 Credits.
  • Translation and Interpreting Theory, 12 Credits.
  • Introduction to Language Practice Research, 16 Credits.
  • Professional Practice, 12 Credits.
  • Translation and Interpreting Practice 402, 16 Credits.

    Elective Modules, NQF Level 7, 24 Credits (Choose two):
  • Literature studies, 12 Credits.
  • French 401, 12 Credits.
  • Mandarin 401, 12 Credits.
  • Portuguese 401, 12 Credits.
  • South African Sign Language 401, 12 Credits.
  • Media Studies, 12 Credits.
  • Transcription and Editing, 12 Credits.
  • French 402, 12 Credits.
  • Mandarin 402, 12 Credits.
  • Portuguese 402, 12 Credits.
  • South African Sign Language 402, 12 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Apply an increased range of techniques and procedures in translating and interpreting a variety of texts, using applicable theories.
    2. Critically reflect on the importance of language practice in a multilingual and multicultural society.
    3. Select and utilise technological equipment and applications to perform language practice functions.
    4. Display ethical and professional behaviour as a language practitioner.
    5. Apply a broader range of skills and theories in the language practice field. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Apply complex techniques and procedures to translation and interpreting in various contexts.
  • Apply Language practice theories to a range of more demanding texts and situations.
  • Use complex text analysis skills appropriately when translating a variety of texts.
  • Do proofreading and editing of more complicated texts as part of translation practice.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Demonstrate knowledge of policies and laws relating to the field of Language Practice.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of social cohesion in a multilingual, multicultural country and the role of language practitioners in achieving such cohesion.
  • Debate issues on the importance of translation and interpreting in promoting access to information and achievement of human rights.
  • Illustrate awareness of cultural diversity and the importance of language in cultural identity.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Compare and a greater variety of technological applications and equipment in performing fit-for-purpose language practice functions.
  • Develop and manage workplace material with minimal supervision.
  • Apply ethical standards in the use of technology in communication and for language practice functions.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Apply Ethics for language practitioners to increase various complex scenarios.
  • Explain and justify decisions taken in response to case studies.
  • Display and reflect the role of the individual language practitioner, in the profession and society.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Demonstrate the use of critical analysis in managing language projects.
  • Demonstrate ability to translate and interpret in specialised environments.
  • Create and maintain terminology databases for specific environments.
  • Select, use and reference Sources of information are appropriate.
  • Demonstrate sound knowledge of more advanced language usage.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Assessment practices are open, transparent, fair, valid, and reliable to ensure that no learner is disadvantaged. Also, the qualification has an integrated approach to assessment. Whenever possible, there is integration in the assessment of knowledge, skills, attitudes and values shown in the qualification.

    Assessment is integrated as much as possible with practical, real-life contexts. There is a variety of methods used in assessment and tools and activities are appropriate to the context(s) in which the learner could work. The term `Integrated Assessment` implies that there is an assessment of theoretical and practical components together. Assessors will make use of a range of formative and summative assessment tools and assessment methods assess combinations of practical, applied, foundational and reflective competencies. Continuous assessment is:
  • Written assignments.
  • Written tests.
  • Case studies.
  • Peer group evaluation.
  • Competency evaluations of specific practical skills.
  • Face to face contact with learners. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The Advanced Diploma qualification is similar to qualifications internationally. While the appellation "language practice" is predominantly used in South Africa, universities across Europe offer undergraduate qualifications in "applied language studies". These European qualifications are closely similar to this qualification in terms of the content and Exit Level Outcomes. The Advanced Diploma level is particular to South Africa, and therefore the direct comparison is not possible. Examples of such are as follows:

    University of Portsmouth (UK):
    The University of Portsmouth offers a BA (Honours) Applied Languages which aims at producing learners with skills to work across different language careers. The BA (Honours) Applied Languages is similar to the Exit Level Outcomes of this Advanced Diploma qualification. Their content also includes modules such as:
  • First language,
  • foreign language options (French, Mandarin, Portuguese),
  • translation practise and theory,
  • Communication and culture; and communication theory.
    The above modules are similar to the modules offered in this Advanced Diploma qualification.

    Pompeu Fabra University of Barcelona (Spain):
    This university offers a Bachelor of Applied Language qualification, which aims at providing learners with skills to work in career areas such as editing, translation, language planning, media and communication. The Bachelor of Applied Language is similar to the Exit Level Outcomes of this qualification. Their content also includes modules like first language, foreign language, cultural mediation, translating, and editing. These are similar to the modules of this qualification.

    University of Dodoma (Tanzania):
    The university offers a Bachelor of Arts in Translation and Interpreting that aims at providing learners with the skills to deal with communication problems within societies of different languages. The qualification also trains Translators and Interpreters to work efficiently in different contexts. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification allows possibilities for both vertical and horizontal articulation.

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Bachelor of Arts in Language Practice, NQF Level 7.
  • Advanced Diploma in Communication Science, NQF Level 7.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Language Practice, NQF Level 8.
  • Bachelor of Arts Honours 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: 
    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.
     
    1. Durban University of Technology 


    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.