IN RURAL SCHOOLS there is a problem of children struggling in certain subjects, not because they do not understand what is being taught – but because they do not understand certain words in the questions as to what they mean in Zulu.
That’s what Mr. Nhlanzeko Ngwenya from Masundwini, KwaNongoma, says about his idea of a book of English words translated into Heaven entitled ALL Action Assessment Verbs: for English First Additional Language and Mathematical Terminology Lists.
In his interview withOf this country with this volume he started compiling in 2017, until 2018 – he said that the idea came to him that since he started being a teacher 20 years ago, he noticed that some students who stand together in classes are not because they are not intelligent, but they fail to translate some of the words used when they are asked questions in exams.
“That’s how I started researching words that often give students the problem of not being able to translate them correctly, especially in English and Mathematics and other subjects, I used my academic knowledge and teaching experience to come up with definitions that will make it easier to understand them,” he said.
Continuing, he said that the problem at the moment is that he has not found a way for this document to reach the Department of Education in KwaZulu-Natal and the rest of the country, he hopes and believes that you can impress them and make them see how you can help.
“I think it is something that will be especially useful in rural schools because there are many children who struggle to translate English words into Zulu so that learning with understanding is not a burden,” said Ngwenya.
He revealed that another good thing about this volume is that it has been compiled with other English words that were memorized by the late Professor Thengamehlo Ngwenya who taught at the Durban University of Technology, which helped to strengthen it.
“Those words turned out to be a problem for students who are about to do their first year in universities, which clearly shows that there is a problem of not being able to translate English words,” said Ngwenya who teaches English at Grade 11 at King Dinuzulu High, KwaNongoma.
With over 20 years of teaching experience, Ngwenya holds a BA in Communication Science and a Post Graduate Certificate in Education from the University of Zululand; and BA Honors in Language Practice from the University of The Free State.