Abstract
M.A. (African Languages)
Problems regarding language requirements set by legislation, the law profession and
academic institutions, are discussed.
The main purpose of the study is to do a needs analysis of law students' needs, to
communicate in Afrikaans, to make a conclusion ofneeds that have to be addressed and to
lay down guidelines for a concept syllabus. The presumption is made that present
Afrikaans courses for law students at universities, do not make provision for their specific
needs.
The implementation phases are discussed, with a special focus on the communicative
needs ofthe target groups.
The development of language for special purposes is discussed. Special attention is
focussed on authentic materials, a frequency analysis and a special register. The
importance of a needs analysis is stressed.
The development of the functional notional approach and its advantages is discussed.
Learner-centredness and learner needs are emphasized. A number of language syllabuses
. ~. are mentioned and the conclusion is reached that grammar should form the basis of a
syllabus, with notional, functional and situational specifications centering around it.
A number of existing language courses for law students were studied. The lack of a
communicative approach in many of these courses is pointed out. It is suggested that
serious consideration must be given to a new approach towards existing courses in
Afrikaans for law students and that a rationale be developed to determine communicative
needs, contents of the course and the principles as set out in the functional-notional
approach.