In a ground-breaking achievement, Reoikantse Shuping, a recent graduate from NWU with a Master’s Degree, has made significant progress in the field of Setswana writing and spelling. This remarkable study challenges the current approach to Setswana orthography standardization, suggesting the need for a fresh perspective.
Despite its extensive history as a written language, Setswana still needs to work on stability and consistency in its writing and spelling conventions. This issue has persisted since the study's inception in 2020.
Reoikantse highlights the root of this problem as differing attitudes towards regulation and non-regulation. In cases where regulation exists, the challenge lies in the decision-making process to determine the correct standards, resulting in unnecessary variations and debates. Reoikantse asserts that establishing a standardized writing system for Setswana is crucial to foster coherence and eliminate inconsistencies caused by non-regulation.
To address this long-standing challenge, Reoikantse's research, titled "Kanoko ya teseletso le taolelo mo mokwalong le mopeleto wa Setswana mo Afrika Borwa: ka Tiori ya Tumalano" (An Investigation into regulation and non-regulation of writing and spelling of Setswana in South Africa with a consensus theory perspective), proposes an innovative Consensus Approach, inspired by the sociological Consensus Theory.
Reoikantse says this approach is expected to make significant strides in standardizing Setswana writing and spelling, thereby providing a solid foundation for Setswana students, language practitioners, and the broader Setswana-speaking community.
“By clarifying the appropriate standards to use and when to employ them, this study will contribute to language policies and benefit esteemed institutions such as the Setswana National Lexicography Unit, the North West Provincial Language Committee, and the Setswana National Language Body. These organizations play vital roles in language development and standardization in South Africa,” said Reoikantse.
Reoikantse's research holds tremendous promise for the future of Setswana writing and spelling. It addresses the language’s challenges and empowers Setswana speakers by equipping them with the necessary tools to navigate the intricacies of Setswana orthography. With its potential to bring cohesion and consistency to Setswana, this study will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact and shape the path for the advancement of the language in South Africa.
She obtained the degree with distinction! A first for Setswana at the NWU (Mafikeng Campus)! And as far as we know, the third South African Motswana to achieve this, the first and second being Mrs Theriso Tsambo (former lecturer NWU, Mafikeng Campus) and Dr Queen Motsepe NWU (lecturer, Mafikeng Campus), who both obtained their M.A. degrees cum laude with Unisa before her!
