The Impact of Linguistic Constituencies on Language Proficiency

Abstract

This study inquired into whether linguistic constituencies have an impact on learner language proficiency. An appropriate approach that was used encompasses qualitative research methods as they permit extracting valuable information from small samples. Underpinning this qualitative inquiry is Participatory Action Research (PAR) with its added advantage of being considered to have an underlying characteristic of engaging with community members in action. The researchers and study participants collaborated to determine the investigated problem, in this case being learner linguistic constituencies in parallel or divergent to language proficiency. Data was gathered from five purposefully nominated English language teachers from one rurally located institution of higher learning in one of the Eastern Cape Education Districts. Semi-structured interviews generated rich thematically analysed data as they contained open-ended types of items. It was divulged by the study that (i) language policy implementation and (ii) teacher training and professional development were the major findings that resulted in experienced challenges with regard to depreciating language proficiency where learners emanated from diversified cultural backgrounds. This paper recommends and concludes that a review of language policies is a dire exercise for consideration, as being a language-proficient learner is tantamount to academic success. Keywords: Proficiency, Linguistic, Constituencies, Diversity.