The development and implementation of computer literacy terminology in isiXhosa

Abstract

This thesis addresses the issue of accessibility of technology in our society. This involves the accessibility of the ICT infrastructure by the disadvantaged communities. In South Africa, due to the imbalances of the past and other factors, language has been a barrier to the access of information and other basic services by the indigenous people ofthis country. English hegemony has deprived the marginalised people the right to participate and benefit from the new technologies. English continues to be a dominant language in the field of ICT and technology. Moreover, ICT tools have been instrumental in improving access to basic services and information all over the world. These tools also playa role in improving the social and economic status of everyone. The two essential aspects that playa role in worsening the digital divide are insufficient proficient in the language used for instructions and \he poor accessibility of the ICT infrastructure. This thesis presents the findings of research carried out in two different sites. This research explores the adoption of ICT terminology developed in isiXhosa. This terminology has been developed as part of the SANTED (South Africa - Norway Tertiary education) multilingualism programme which is housed with the African Language studies section within the School of Languages at Rhodes University. The first test site was in rural area in Dwesa in Transkei. This is part of an ICT for development project called Siyakhula. This project is ajoint venture between both Fort Hare and Rhodes universities. Moreover, this project is managed by Telkom Centre of Excellence (CoE) and CoE. The second test site is based in Grahamstown and forms part of the eYethu project which is a joint venture between the Department of Education and Coe, both at Rhodes University. The main aim of using two test sites was to track language varieties associated with the use of African languages.