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Monday 08:00 - 16:30 Tuesday 08:00 - 16:30 Wednesday 08:00 - 16:30 Thursday 08:00 - 16:30 Friday 08:00 - 16:30

Stellenbosch University Language Centre

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Stellenbosch University Language Centre

Stellenbosch University Language Centre is a vibrant hub for students, staff and clients who require language and communication assistance.

04/09/2026

Learning a new language starts with the confidence to say those first few words.

With the SU Language Centre’s ISIXHOSA 123 short course, beginners can develop practical isiXhosa conversation skills while discovering more about one of South Africa’s most widely spoken languages and the culture surrounding it.

From your first online session, you’ll learn language you can use in everyday situations, including greetings, introductions, common questions and answers, and useful vocabulary for social and professional interactions. Each lesson builds on the last, helping you become more comfortable using isiXhosa in real conversations.

Designed to give you a practical foundation, the course creates a supportive and engaging space to learn, practise and build confidence as you go.

Course details:
🗓️ Dates: 15 September – 24 October 2026
💻 Format: Online via Microsoft Teams

📝 Apply by: 4 September 2026

🔗 Apply here: https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=Azv6pjwKWEKEM6Eg3_zTSLGKX_UiWJtPtcGcoKOnSbtUMDdTTlVZRjdKVktUU05CSzJRUlhCNkhBOS4u

🌐 More info: https://languagecentre.sun.ac.za/product/isixhosa-123/

📩 Questions? Email Helga Sykstus at [email protected]

02/09/2026

A simple “hallo” can be the beginning of a much more meaningful connection.

The SU Language Centre’s AFRIKAANS 123 online short course gives beginners the opportunity to build practical Afrikaans skills that can be used in everyday conversations. Whether you want to communicate more comfortably at work, connect with Afrikaans-speaking communities or explore a new language, this course offers a supportive place to start.

Through interactive online sessions, you’ll learn useful phrases and vocabulary for introducing yourself, greeting others and taking part in simple conversations. You’ll also gain insight into the cultural context of the language, helping you understand not just what to say, but how Afrikaans is used in everyday life.

With a practical, step-by-step approach, you’ll build your confidence as you put your new skills into practice from the very first lessons.

Course details:
🗓️ 15 September – 24 October 2026 | Tuesdays 17:30 – 20:00
💻 Format: Online via Microsoft Teams
👥 Capacity: Limited seats available (registration is confirmed on payment)

📝 Apply by: 4 September 2026

👉 To apply, please contact Helga Sykstus at [email protected] to request your application form.

🌐 More info: https://languagecentre.sun.ac.za/product/afrikaans-123/

📩 Questions? Email Helga Sykstus at [email protected]

01/09/2026

📚 G𝗲𝘁 𝗮 𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗡𝗲𝗲𝗹𝘀𝗶𝗲 𝗼𝗻 𝟰 𝗦𝗲𝗽𝘁𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿! | 𝗞𝗿𝘆 '𝗻 𝗯𝗼𝗲𝗸 𝗶𝗻 𝗱𝗶𝗲 𝗡𝗲𝗲𝗹𝘀𝗶𝗲 𝗼𝗽 𝟰 𝗦𝗲𝗽𝘁𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿!

We’re celebrating International Literacy Day on 4 September in the Neelsie on the Stellenbosch campus. Visit the in the Neelsie between 08:30 and 10:00 and pick a book to take home – for free!

Since 1967, International Literacy Day celebrations have taken place annually on 8 September around the world to remind the public of the importance of literacy as a matter of dignity and human rights, and to advance the literacy agenda towards a more literate and sustainable society.

***

Op 4 September vier ons Internasionale Geletterdheidsdag in die Neelsie op die Stellenbosch-kampus. Besoek die in die Neelsie tussen 08:30 en 10:00, en kies ŉ boek om saam huis toe te neem – gratis!

Internasionale Geletterdheidsdagvieringe vind sedert 1967 oral in die wêreld jaarliks op 8 September plaas om die publiek te herinner aan die belangrikheid van geletterdheid as deel van menswaardigheid en menseregte, en om die geletterdheidsagenda te rig op ŉ meer geletterde en volhoubare samelewing.

01/09/2026

We all speak, listen and express ourselves – but how does language shape our sense of belonging? Join us as we reflect on this connection together in our Zive usekhaya: Language and Belonging workshop.

Each two-hour session includes:

👥 Story circles

💬 Guided small-group discussions

🤔 A 10-word reflection exercise

👐🏾 A hands-on beading activity that draws on personal experiences of language and belonging

You get:

🍔 A meal box to keep you nourished during the session

🩵 Your own beaded memento you made during the session

Join us on campus from 17:30 to 19:30 on 17 or 22 September.

Venue: 44 Banhoek Road. Dinner is on us!

Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to connect with fellow students across languages, cultures and lived experiences. Sign up here: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=Azv6pjwKWEKEM6Eg3_zTSHUGcIM15bJAvhvJ0mHVlf5UMVJWQjJFOUMxUEZSOTFCUTQ3WU5PNTBHMy4u&route=shorturl

We can’t wait to hear your thoughts and contributions to a shared conversation about identity, language, and inclusion on our campus!

31/08/2026

Imagine a career that allows you to make a difference while exploring new places, cultures and opportunities.

The TEACHING ENGLISH AS A FOREIGN LANGUAGE in-person full-time short course at the Stellenbosch University Language Centre prepares you to teach English with confidence in classrooms around the world or through online learning platforms. Combining practical training with real-world teaching experience, this course gives you the skills to begin your teaching journey with confidence.

Designed for aspiring English language teachers, the course covers everything from lesson planning and classroom management to effective teaching techniques and learner engagement. No previous teaching experience is required, making it an ideal starting point for anyone looking to enter the field. While a bachelor’s degree is recommended, it is not a requirement.

On successful completion, you will receive an internationally recognised certificate of competence, opening the door to teaching opportunities both locally and abroad.
Even experienced teachers can benefit from this training.

📌 Course dates: 26 October – 11 December 2026

📍 In-person training with practical teaching sessions

📝 Apply by 12 October 2026

👉 Apply here: https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=Azv6pjwKWEKEM6Eg3_zTSKbNVXqMFe1KjmcgnG0D9FFUN0sxSzlEM1VYWlY1M1lGQ0pTQkZQRjlKUC4u&route=shorturlid=Azv6pjwKWEKEM6Eg3_zTSBAFKll0j6xNiq9fB0FyLXNUQUU5TzJHMFpCWENWVzRKVzFMNFpGWlAwNi4u&route=shorturl

📘 More info: https://languagecentre.sun.ac.za/product/teaching-english-as-a-foreign-language-tefl/

📩 Questions? Contact Michelle Pieters at [email protected] or 021 808 2812

28/08/2026

Clear writing makes work easier. It helps people find the information they need, make informed decisions and act with confidence.

The PLAIN LANGUAGE WRITING WORKSHOP by the SU Language Centre is designed for professionals who want to communicate more effectively through the documents they create every day. Whether you’re drafting policies, compliance documents, human resources communication or public-facing content, this workshop will help you write in a way that is clear, accessible and easy to understand.

Through interactive, practical sessions, you’ll learn how to simplify complex information, organise documents more effectively and create content that meets the needs of your readers without losing meaning or accuracy.

The workshop is facilitated by Liezl van Zyl, co-founder of Hey Plain Jane and co-creator of the . Drawing on extensive experience in plain language and legal design, she shares practical techniques for transforming technical and regulatory content into communication that is both useful and user-friendly.

Join us to discover how plain language can strengthen communication, improve efficiency and create better experiences for everyone who reads your documents.

📅 22 and 23 October 2026

Apply by 1 October 2026.

⏰ Time: 09:00 – 12:00

💻 Format: Online via MS Teams

👉 Apply here: https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=Azv6pjwKWEKEM6Eg3_zTSKbNVXqMFe1KjmcgnG0D9FFUNDBZWjU0OU5LRlpTVkVVTkkyOUhEVFJVMi4u&route=shorturl

📘 For more information:https://languagecentre.sun.ac.za/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/WPLA-Plain-Language-Writing_Eng.pdf

📩 Questions? Contact Michelle Pieters at [email protected] or call 021 808 2812.

27/08/2026

This August, meet the language learning leadHERS driving multilingualism at SU!

During Women’s Month, we are shining a light on the impactful work the SU Language Centre’s language learning lecturers and facilitators do.

Lecturer Helga Sykstus has been teaching Afrikaans language acquisition courses to local and international students for the past 26 years. Over the years her role has also included teaching academic literacy modules in the Law and Science faculties. She is actively involved in initiatives that promote multilingualism and inclusion at SU and often works with student leaders to explore how they can create a multilingual institutional environment where all students feel welcome and can experience a sense of belonging. Below, she tells us a bit more about herself:

“What I enjoy most about my work is knowing that I can make a positive difference to students' university experience. Whether it is through a meaningful cultural encounter, helping someone feel seen and valued, or creating spaces where students feel safe to be themselves, I find it incredibly rewarding to contribute to an environment in which people feel that they belong.

I love reading, although I never seem to have as much time for it as I'd like. Whenever I get the chance, I enjoy being in nature; whether it's walking along the beach at Kogel Bay or spending time in the Cederberg. And there are few things I enjoy more than sharing a glass of wine and lots of laughter with good friends.”

Would you like to learn some Afrikaans from Helga? Follow the link to find out more: https://languagecentre.sun.ac.za/afrikaans-courses/

Or email Helga at [email protected] to enquire about the right course for your needs.

26/08/2026

Episode 5 of MFM’s Student Success Series – 15 conversations with Stellenbosch University staff – dealt with student support at SU, and making students aware of how to benefit from that support.
Yesterday Dylan Arendse interviewed four guests from the Language Centre: the head of Academic and Professional Literacies, Angela Govender, coordinator of the Reading Lab, Marisca Coetzee, coordinator of Writing Lab consultations, Anne-Mari Lackay, and one of our writing consultants, Rindile Mandaha. Jacolette Kloppers led the conversation.

In this episode we discussed:
📖 Why reading faster is the wrong goal – and the rule that if you are reading and not writing, you cannot call it academic reading.
🗣️ Why your home language is an advantage, not a deficit, and why your English does not have to be perfect.
🧠 The three voices in your head while you read, and which one you need to manage.
✍️ What actually happens in a writing consultation – 50 minutes, free, and you do not need a finished draft to book one.
💡 Academic English deliberately excludes. But it is a club, and every club can be joined. 💛

🎙️ Listen to the full episode here: https://iono.fm/e/1711175

Book a writing consultation via the Language Centre website. In person at 44 Banghoek Road, at Tygerberg's Health Sciences Library, or at the JS Gericke Research Commons on Tuesdays and Thursdays. 🐿️

26/08/2026

The ability to communicate effectively is one of the most valuable skills you can bring to any workplace.

The COMMUNICATION PAR EXCELLENCE online short course by the SU Language Centre is designed to help professionals communicate with greater confidence, precision and professionalism in English. Whether you’re writing emails, contributing to meetings or delivering presentations, this course equips you with practical skills that you can apply immediately.

Through interactive online sessions, you will strengthen your written and spoken communication, learn how to structure clear and concise business messages, and develop the confidence to express your ideas in a professional setting. The focus is on communicating with purpose, building credibility and making a lasting impression.

This course will help you refine your communication skills and enhance your professional presence.

✍️ Apply by 29 September 2026.

🗓️ Course dates: 20 and 27 October, 3, 10 and 17 November 2026

👉 Apply now: https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=Azv6pjwKWEKEM6Eg3_zTSKbNVXqMFe1KjmcgnG0D9FFUREI5RzhIMTU0MkpEVVlTQUdOV1k0N0tKUy4u&route=shorturl

📘 More info: https://languagecentre.sun.ac.za/product/communication-par-excellence-2/

24/08/2026

Speaking even a few words in someone’s language can turn an ordinary interaction into a meaningful connection.

The AFRIKAANS 123 online short course at the SU Language Centre is designed for beginners who want to develop practical language skills they can use in everyday life. Whether you’re looking to communicate more confidently at work, connect with Afrikaans-speaking communities or simply learn something new, this course provides the perfect starting point.

Through interactive online sessions, you will learn how to greet others, introduce yourself and hold simple conversations with confidence. You will also build a practical vocabulary and explore the cultural context behind the language, helping you use Afrikaans naturally in both social and professional settings.

With a supportive, step-by-step approach, you’ll gain the confidence to put your new language skills into practice from your very first lessons.

𝗖𝗼𝘂𝗿𝘀𝗲 𝗱𝗲𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗹𝘀
🗓️ 15 September – 24 October 2026 | Tuesdays 17:30 – 20:00

💻 Format: Online via Microsoft Teams

👥 Capacity: Limited seats available (registration is confirmed on payment)

📝 Apply by: 18 September 2026

👉 To apply, please contact Helga Sykstus at [email protected] to request your application form.

🌐 More info: https://languagecentre.sun.ac.za/product/afrikaans-123/

📩 Questions? Email Helga Sykstus at [email protected]

Address

44 Banghoek Road
Stellenbosch
7600

Opening Hours

Monday	08:00 - 16:30
Tuesday	08:00 - 16:30
Wednesday	08:00 - 16:30
Thursday	08:00 - 16:30
Friday	08:00 - 16:30

Telephone

+27218082167

Website

https://languagecentre.sun.ac.za/

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