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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Bachelor of Arts in Language Practice 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
96442  Bachelor of Arts in Language Practice 
ORIGINATOR
University of Venda 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHE - Council on Higher Education  HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
National First Degree(Min 480)  Field 04 - Communication Studies and Language  Language 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  508  Not Applicable  NQF Level 08  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   2034-06-30  

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 this qualification is to develop learners with strong technical knowledge, basic skills and attributes which are required for the practice as professional interpreters, translators and editors.

Communities at local, provincial and national level will be empowered with the necessary skills of translation, interpreting and editing.

Upon qualifying learners will be able to:
  • Solve problems by collecting, selecting, processing, presenting and interpreting data and also draw conclusions.
  • Put into practice the theory or skill acquired during contacts to solve problems related to translation, interpreting and editing.
  • Exercise ethical conduct, values and professionalism in the interpreting context.

    Rationale:
    South Africa is a multicultural and diversified country with eleven official languages as enshrined in the constitution of the country. In order to achieve the noble idea of being a rainbow nation, qualifications such as translation, interpreting and editing are crucial. Taking into account our past history where indigenous languages of the black communities were marginalised and undermined, a qualification of this nature is important to demonstrate a true liberation of the African communities of South Africa and also with respect to the indigenous languages.

    The geographical position of the institution has an essential role in ensuring that multilingualism in South Africa is promoted. The region where institution is situated has five regional languages which are: Afrikaans, English, Northern Sotho, Tshivenda and Xitsonga. A qualification of this nature will easily promote multilingualism within the region. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    Admission on the basis of the RPL will be considered in line with the faculty requirements. Portfolio of Prior Learning is subjected to assessments by the relevant selection committee.

    Entry Requirements:
    Learners are required to have either the following in order to be considered for admission:
  • Senior Certificate with endorsement.
  • National Senior Certificate with a bachelor's degree admission pass. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of compulsory and elective modules at NQF Levels 5, 6 and 7.

    NQF Level modules (17 modules totalling 214 Credits)
    Compulsory modules:
  • Introduction to Interpreting Skills, 14 Credits.
  • Intercultural Communication for Language Practitioners, 14 Credits.
  • English Communication Skills, 10 Credits.
  • English Communication Skills, 10 Credits.
  • Introduction to the Study of Language, 14 Credits.
  • The Structure of words, Phrases and Sentences, 14 Credits.
  • Introduction to Lexicography, 14 Credits.
  • Introduction to Computer Lexicography, 14 Credits.
  • Text Production 1- Professional Writing, Credits14.
  • News and Discourse Analysis, 14 Credits.
  • Introduction to Computer Systems, 14 Credits.
  • Introduction to Theory of Law/Introduction to Indigenous Knowledge, 12 Credits.
  • Introduction of Law/Introduction to Indigenous Knowledge, 12 Credits.
  • Introduction to Sign Language, 8 Credits.
  • The Genetic Process in News Production, 8 Credits.
    Elective modules:
  • Introduction to Grammar/Introduction to the English language, 14 Credits.
  • Introduction to Literature/Introduction to Literary Study, 14 Credits.
  • Introduction to Theory of Law/Introduction to Indigenous Knowledge, 12 Credits.
  • Introduction of Law/Introduction to Indigenous Knowledge, 12 Credits.
  • Introduction to Sign Language, 8 Credits.

    NQF Level 6 modules (7 modules totalling 104 Credits)
    Compulsory modules:
  • Liaison Interpreting Skills, 16 Credits.
  • Translation Skills, 16 Credits.
  • Intermediate Translation and Interpreting Practice, 16 Credits.
  • Sound Word and Sentence structure, 14 Credits.
  • Sign Language Structure, 14 Credits.
    Elective modules:
  • Orthography and Terminography/English structure and usage Intermediate level, 14 Credits.
  • Origin and development of Traditional and Modern Literature/Post Coloniality and the African World, 14 Credits.

    NQF Level 7 modules (6 modules totalling 88 Credits)
    Compulsory modules:
  • Proofreading and Language Editing, 16 Credits.
  • Advanced Translation, Interpreting and Language Editing Practice, 16 Credits.
    Elective modules:
  • The Study of Meaning in Advanced English Structure, 14 Credits.
  • Language Planning and Policy/Advanced English usage, 14 Credits.
  • Society and Literature in Post Coloniality and the novel, 14 Credits.
  • Language and Society/The poetry of love, protest and resistance, 14 Credits.

    NQF Level 8 modules (4 modules totalling 120 Credits)
    Compulsory modules:
  • Advanced Liaison Interpreting Skills, 16 Credits.
  • Advanced Translation Skills, 16 Credits.
  • Research Methodology and Research Project, 38 Credits.
  • Experiential Learning, 50 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Distinguish between translation, interpreting and editing skills.
    2. Demonstrate acquired skills in translation, interpreting and editing.
    3. Display knowledge of editing and proofreading.
    4. Apply the acquired skills in the real life environment and complete a research project in language practice. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • The distinction between translation, interpreting and editing skills and methods is established.
  • A clear understanding of the knowledge of the types and modes of interpreting in fulfilling their roles and responsibilities is demonstrated.
  • Skills and competences for editing and proofreading required in professional language practice are displayed.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Relevant management, organisational theories and skills required by translators, interpreters and editors are acquired.
  • The text is translated and edited.
  • Interpreting skills for liaison interpretation in specific contexts is shown.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Relevant strategies, techniques and methodologies for editing and proofreading are used.
  • The task for editing and proofreading of selected written texts is executed.
  • Editing and proofreading symbols for specific contexts is employed.
  • Unacceptable language usage in a social cultural context is eliminated.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • A research project is undertaken and a report is written.
  • Experiential learning is undertaken.
  • A portfolio of evidence is completed and submitted.
  • The gathered knowledge of various methodologies for conducting a research is applied.
  • The language practice sector comprising of translation, interpreting and editing is fully exposed to and familiarised with.

    Integrated Assessment:
    The assessments strategies included are integrated such as: both formative and summative assessment. The formative assessment constitutes 60% while the summative constitutes 40% of the final mark. The formative assessment comprises of assignments, class tests, class exercises and project reports. The summative assessment comprises of examinations. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    This qualification was designed in such a way that it conforms to international best practices and conventions in the practice of language. In achieving that it was comparable with international qualifications of similar purpose from reputable institutions. One qualification from Australia and one from Kenya were selected as part of the exercise.

    In Kenya, St. Paul's University offers a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Translation Studies. The qualification aims to provide excellent training in professional translation and interpreting for accurate, clear and coherent cross-cultural communication in national and global contexts. The purpose of the qualification seems to address the exit level outcomes implying that the two qualifications have a similar purpose.

    Bachelor of Arts in Interpreting and Translation offered at Middlesex University in London is designed to equip ambitious learners with the theory and experience to meet the needs of the language practice industry. The qualification covers modules such as: Introduction to Interpreting; Core concepts in Language Transfer; Internship Module; Introduction to Public Service Interpreting and; Research in Language Transfer. These modules are similar to the ones offered in this qualification.

    Conclusion:
    The international comparability study conducted shows that this qualification displays similarities with other cognate international qualifications in terms of what it seeks to achieve. The two qualifications cited above compares very well with this qualification in terms of purpose. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification offers different articulation possibilities on the NQF. It may horizontally articulate with the following qualifications:
  • Bachelor of Technology in Translation and Interpreting Practice, NQF Level 7.
  • Advanced Postgraduate Diploma in Translation, NQF Level 7.

    Vertical articulation may be realised with the following qualifications:
  • Bachelor of Arts Honours in Translation and Professional Writing, NQF Level 8.
  • Bachelor of Arts Honours in Translation and Interpreting, 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.
     
    1. University of Venda 


    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.