What makes the Department of Modern European Languages unique?

Studies in our department build bridges by exploring all of the following focus areas:

• foreign language teaching and learning methodology for French, German, Spanish and Portuguese;
• the links between literature, identity and self-representation;
• African-European intercultural relations and extended global dynamics; and
• translation and interpreting. 

We strive to expand cutting edge research in the above mentioned focus areas, all of which are linked to South Africa’s Fourth Grand Challenge of understanding “human and social dynamics”.

We are the proud hosts of a new Masters programme in African-European Cultural Relations, a course designed to address the multifaceted nature of intercultural collaboration. This interdisciplinary MA combines language competence, knowledge of international affairs, cultural studies, history and a critical understanding of different cultural systems: elements that prove invaluable in the working environment.

In our department, we pride ourselves on not just teaching a foreign language, and communicating its rules, but in introducing students to the worlds those languages are spoken in. Learning these languages opens doors to different cultures and paradigms. For many of our students, the department becomes a “third place”, where they can communicate on a different level and develop alternative aspects of their identities. 

We enjoy creating an atmosphere where learning and being creative in a foreign language becomes possible and fun. Classes are enriched by the unique teaching methods employed by our lecturer s who combine creative expression and music, teach grammar through poetry, incorporate global simulation with basic language learning, and explore identity through literature.     

• Background
• Staff
• Mission Statement
• History of Department
• Vision and Mission
• About French
• About German
• About Spanish