Abstract
M.Ed. (Language Teaching)
The lack of proper regard for language variation and the heterogeneous nature of
language in the teaching of Afrikaans First Language Secondary Phase caused various
problems. Not only individuals but the whole Afrikaans language community and the
language itself suffered. Language variation is actually recognised in the learning content and teaching approach of the latest Afrikaans First Language syllabus. However, because of the inadequate recognition in the syllabus and the current complexity of the Afrikaans language community, it is necessary to provide guidelines for augmenting the syllabus to improve the teaching-learning situation. This study therefore proposes appropriate learning content with regard to the heterogeneous nature of language, language variation and specific problems in the Afrikaans language community. In order to accommodate all the varieties of Afrikaans
and speakers of these varieties in the teaching-learning situation, a multi-variety
approach is recommended. With that in mind a strategy to implement a multi-variety
approach and the teaching of the complex phenomenon, language variation in Afrikaans First Language Secondary Phase is proposed.