The summarisation of the Introduction to Linguistics (ZULL1514) module of the University of the Free State (UFS) for better understanding : a contribution to students’ learning

Abstract

Siddharthan's (2014) theory of text simplification posits that a complex language can be reduced to a simpler form through the process known as summarisation. This study explores the application of summarisation theory in the Introduction to Linguistics module of ZULL1514 at the University of the Free State (UFS). Many students perceive this ZULL1514 module as more challenging than the module called Introduction to Oral Literature (ZULT1524) with many learners attributing this difficulty to the module's scientific focus on language structure as compared to the cultural and historical perspective of oral literature. This research study uses a qualitative approach with aims of analysing the role of morphology, orthography, and semantics in the content of ZULL1514. Data is extracted from the module's course pack because the module is designed for isiZulu speakers. However, it should be stated that the ZULL1514 is also also attended by students whose mother tongue is in other languages. This study seeks to address the challenges faced by students due to the module's scientific orientation