Learning a language with a collegue: a case study of South African Police Services (SAPS) members in the Western Cape

Abstract

This article is a case study of the language learning progress of members of the South African Police Services (SAPS) who were taught Xhosa and Afrikaans by the Iilwimi Centre for Multilingualism and the Language Professions at the University of the Western Cape. In particular, it evaluates the effect of the collaborative language learning partnerships that were established while the courses were in progress. These partnerships were set up between officers from the same police station, some learning Xhosa, and others learning Afrikaans. These partners continued to practise with each other after completing the formal course. The researchers also observed the level of multilingualism practised at each participating police station.