Hoe skryf môre se skrywers vandag?

Abstract

Afrikaans speaking first year students at the University of Pretoria apparently are not very proficient in their mother tongue. This is evident from the results of compulsory language proficiency tests written before they began with their studies as well as from written coursework. In this article some examples illustrating their poor writing skills are presented. Subsequently some findings from a preliminary questionnaire are discussed. The aim of the research was to identify possible factors responsible for the poor language proficiency of these students. Lack of language competence is illustrated by no less than ten variations for the spelling of the Afrikaans word geïnteresseerd (interested) and eight different variations in the introduction to a letter addressed to Beste professor Van der Merwe. Numerous able researchers hold that there is a definite connection between good language proficiency and reading. This matter will be discussed briefly.