LANGUAGE MODULES SYNOPSIS

All undergraduate programmes at the University require students to complete one local and one foreign language module, aiming to enhance their global market competitiveness. The language modules are outlined as follows:

Module Code	Module Name	Description
LAIC100 Beginners/Intermediate/Advanced LAIC200 Beginners/Intermediate/Advanced	Language Acquisition and Intercultural Communication	In the Language Acquisition and Intercultural Communication (LAIC) modules, students are equipped with reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills in local/regional languages (Kiswahili, Ndebele, Shona, Sign Language and Tonga) and in foreign languages (Mandarin Chinese, French, German and Portuguese). These modules adopt a communicative and competency-based approach to language teaching. The primary objective is for students to be able to communicate effectively in real-life social and discipline-specific contexts. These language modules also develop intercultural competencies by incorporating aspects of the culture and civilisation, allowing for a holistic intercultural communication experience. The modules ultimately seek to contribute to the branding of UZ and responding to the needs of industry and society, by producing graduates who are able to communicate effectively in local, regional and international communities where language may otherwise be a barrier to access and success. Upon completion of these modules, students should have acquired the foundational language skills necessary to function effectively in diverse multilingual and multicultural contexts, in the spirit of Education 5.0 and NDS2.
FOREIGN LANGUAGES
LAICPO100 LAICPO200	Language Acquisition And Intercultural Communication – Portuguese	The module seeks to (a) develop four essential Portuguese language skills: listening, speaking, reading and writing, enabling effective cross-cultural and intercultural communication and (b) equip students with the skills and competency levels required to attain the A2 level of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). This will be achieved through extensive individual and group work on grammar and content, general and discipline-specific vocabulary, language structure and analysis. The module also develops intercultural competencies by incorporating aspects of the culture and civilisation of Portuguese-speaking territories, allowing for a holistic multilingual and intercultural communication experience.
LAICGMB100 LAICGMB200	Language Acquisition and Intercultural Communication - German	This is a German language module that focuses on the development of reading, writing, listening and speaking skills according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) as well as intercultural communication skills. It aims to equip students with basic German language skills necessary for professional and social interaction while fostering the ability to recognise, analyse and navigate cultural differences in German-speaking environments. This will be achieved through communicative, action- and learner oriented teaching methods which are anchored on the intercultural approach.
LAICFR100 LAICFR200	Language Acquisition and Intercultural Communication - French	The aim of this programme is to train students to be able to understand and use familiar everyday expressions and very basic phrases aimed at the satisfaction of basic needs of a concrete type. By the end of the course the student should be able to introduce him/herself in detail and others and ask and answer questions about personal details such as where he/she lives, people he/she knows and things he/she has. The student should also be able to interact in a simple way provided the other person talks slowly and clearly and is prepared to help. It recognizes the linguistic competency of a basic user, considered as a social actor. The learner can communicate in simple and routine tasks requiring the most common polite phrases and exchanges of information.
LAICCH100	Language Acquisition and Intercultural Communication - Chinese	This module provides students with an appreciation of the Chinese language. It introduces basic aspects of the Chinese language and linguistic structure. The module uses a comprehensive approach where all aspects of the Chinese language will be adopted, with students spending a significant amount of time on oral practice to enable them to gain confidence in communication. This module fairly responds to the industry and societal needs following the flood of Chinese people venturing into various industries in Zimbabwe and requiring various services. This module serves to bridge the language gap and provides profound advantages for our society by increasing social cohesion, and enabling authentic cross-cultural connections. Beyond mere communication, this module acts as a bridge that dismantles stereotypes, promotes inclusivity, and prepares individuals to navigate a globalized world as it produces graduates who have an understanding of the Chinese community and are able to communicate effectively in situations where language may otherwise be a barrier.
LOCAL LANGUAGES
LAICND100 LAICND200	Language Acquisition and Intercultural Communication -Ndebele	This module provides students with a foundation in spoken Ndebele and introduces basic aspects of Ndebele linguistic structure. A conversational approach will be adopted, with students spending a significant amount of time on oral practice. It is a university-wide module designed to meet the needs of non- Ndebele -speaking students. The module seeks to contribute to the branding of the UZ graduate by responding to the needs of industry and society, producing graduates who are able to communicate effectively with local communities where language may otherwise be a barrier to access and success. Together with its cultural corollary, the module offers specialist communicative training for individuals working or intending to work with language across various programmes and within different communities. The module will also function as a language clinic, providing learners with opportunities to seek clarification on issues related to Ndebele language learning as well as broader Ndebele socio-cultural matters. Ndebele is an official language and the second most widely spoken language in Zimbabwe. It belongs to the Nguni subgroup of the Bantu language family, which implies a degree of mutual intelligibility between Zimbabwean Ndebele and other Nguni languages such as Zulu, Xhosa, Swati and South African Ndebele. These languages are spoken by more than 40 million people across South Africa, Eswatini and Zimbabwe
LAICKI100 LAICKI200	Language Acquisition and Intercultural Communication - Kiswahili	This is a Kiswahili module targeted for beginners with no prior knowledge of the language. There are no predetermined prerequisites required to undertake this module. Any beginner student who intends to learn and speak Kiswahili as a second or foreign language can benefit from this module. The course offers interactive skills which underlie elementary communication in view of developing learners’ skills in social interactions. The teaching philosophy adopted is based on communicative and competency-based approach to language teaching. Focus is on the competency which learners have to accomplish in the target language for them to be able to communicate naturally in business and other social settings. It is hoped that the module will equip Kiswahili students with listening, speaking, reading and writing skills through various learning activities such as role play, exercises and tests. Upon completion of this module, students will have basic language skills that will enable them to function in multilingual and multicultural contexts in the spirit of Education 5.0.
LAICSL100 LAICSL200	Language Acquisition and Intercultural Communication – Sign Language	This module offers a comprehensive introduction to Zimbabwean Sign Language (ZimSL), moving beyond simple gestures to treat the language as a complex, rule-governed linguistic system. Students will develop foundational communication skills while exploring the rich historical and cultural tapestry of the Deaf community.
LAICSH100 LAICSH200	Language Acquisition and Intercultural Communication – Shona	This is a Basic Shona module. It is intended for beginners with no prior knowledge of the language. The module offers pre-interactive skills to Shona language beginners who intend to learn and speak Shona as a second language by exposing them to standard Shona pronunciation, elementary vocabularies, and elementary grammar. The module seeks to develop learners’ skills in social interactions and, hence, it is communicative and competence based. Learning is done through extensive individual and group work on grammar and content. The module will develop intercultural competencies by incorporating aspects of Shona culture. It is hoped that the module will gradually equip students with Shona listening, speaking, reading and writing skills as well as grasping an overview of Shona phonology and grammar
LAICTO100 LAICTO200	Language Acquisition and Inter-Cultural Communication - Tonga	This module is designed to help students discover and appreciate the Tonga language and its cultural heritage. It is specifically designed to build foundational language skills, ensuring students can communicate effectively during internships and future careers within Tonga-speaking communities. By bridging language gaps, this module prepares students for professional success and meaningful social integration in any Tonga-speaking environment.