It is not possible to exactly translate a science article from English to isiZulu, Sibusiso Biyela told an audience at the World Conference of Science Journalists in San Francisco in 2017. Instead of writing one article and translating it, he writes two different versions. Biyela is one of SA’s very few science writers who publishes articles in isiZulu. "I did not realise that science is different in different languages," he says. "My mother language seemed inadequate as a language of science — at least that is what I was told as a child." SA has 11 official languages, but some languages — such as English and Afrikaans — have received more resources and attention than others. Statistics SA estimates fewer than 10% of the population speaks English at home, but this is often their children’s medium of education. Although the Bill of Rights protects individuals’ right to use the language of their choice, English is often cast as the language of education and science. The supremacy of E...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.