Msindisi Sam, a BSc (in Computer Science) Honours graduate from the University of Fort Hare, started his Masters research at Rhodes in 2007 after making contact with Dr Lorenzo Dalvit of the Education Faculty. He was alerted to the fact that research was needed around the link between language and technology, and began to work on the development and introduction of computer terminology in isiXhosa.
He looked at ways of how terms and concepts related to computer technology could be explained in isiXhosa to aid and support understanding. The intention is not to replace the use of English terms, but to provide a frame of reference alongside the English terminology that will help mother-tongue isiXhosa speakers understand difficult concepts.
Sam’s research was done at school sites in both Grahamstown and the Transkei and was linked to the Siyakhula project based in Transkei (collaboration between Rhodes and Fort Hare Computer Science Departments) and the E-Yethu project based in Grahamstown (collaboration between Rhodes Computer Science and Education Departments), both projects being conducted by the Telkom Centre of Excellence .
His was the only research focusing on language and technology in this context and has resulted in him contributing to a Glossary of Computer Terms being developed with funds from the SANTED (SA-Norway Tertiary Education Development) Programme.
He thought it was an April Fool’s joke when the secretary in the Rhodes African Languages Section rang him on 1 April to say that his thesis had been passed and he would be graduating with his Masters degree on 8 April. But confirmation soon followed from the Registrar’s office and the reality started to sink in.
In 2008, Sam also worked with teachers on the ACE - ICT course to produce a teacher’s guide in isiXhosa for use when teaching computer literacy at high schools.
He is currently a Junior Lecturer in the African Languages Department. Aside from teaching a course on “Language and Technology” to students at a range of levels, he also assists on the ACE course in ICT for in-service teachers and is involved as a tutor in the isiXhosa short courses for staff, Pharmacy and Journalism students.
Asked about his plans for the future, he modestly responds, “I feel there’s a lot I need to do and learn before I embark on a PhD but I will ultimately do it.”
By Cathy Gush