- PRE-AMBLE AND INTRODUCTION
In line with Section 6 of the Constitution of 1996, with the 2012 Use of Official Languages Act, this Policy is concerned with the development and promotion of respect for all languages used by South Africans, and in particular, with the equitable use of the official provincial languages by the South African Veterinary Association (SAVA).
- POLICY
The policy recognises that South Africa is a multilingual country and that SAVA reflects this multilingual diversity. It also recognises that language has the potential to contribute to transformation in various ways. The policy therefore seeks to facilitate exploring the ways this could occur at SAVA through dynamic, collaborative partnerships and approaches to language use and the awareness of language issues in communication with members through various media.
The policy supports English as the de facto language of communication, but is also committed to simultaneously promoting multilingualism, a possible paradox that has to be carefully managed.
This policy is intended to be a living document which continually responds to SAVA’s language needs and may require regular revision. SAVA will seek to adopt a wide range of strategies that will enhance its multilingual character. In the light of historical conditions and contemporary realities, in the foreseeable future:
- SAVA’s language of communication will be English
- SAVA’s official business will be conducted in English;
- The official language of record at SAVA will be English;
- VETNEWS
It is acknowledged that VetNews receives articles from contributors in official languages other than English.
The VetNews Editor must, insofar as is possible, encourage the use of English in articles published in Vetnews.
In the event that contributors wish to submit articles in other languages as English and the Editor is of the opinion that it is in the interest of members that the article be published, a comprehensive summary of the article must be produced in English for publication in the same VetNews edition and adjacent to the non-English language article. In this event, the author must sign off on the comprehensive summary as a fair reflection of the original article.
Approved by SAVA BoD and Fedco 22nd and 23rd April 2022