Die Osse Science textbook in Kaaps issie science fiction ie, is currently getik en gedruk. Finally! Mens kannie dink hoe valuable die resource vi Kaapspriekene leedes is as djy nie self die issue van jouself heeltyd moet vetaal mien moet dealie. Om net te dink dat science nou innie maind vannie kint wat vooheen nie ees sy moedertong innie geskriewe gesienitie, kan nourit lies en waadee. En met dai validated voel. Is mindblowing. Om information in jou taal te sien en te lies bring dai info instantly nadere an jou en djy’s infinitely oep ommie knowledge te kry. Die taal barriers wat wietent en onwietent jou anne kere face, bestaan nie en djy kan net lyste en lee. Snotniesies wat gedinkit science is te hoeg vi hulle, want dais ‘n subject net vi slim mense, ma kaantie wassit allie tyd netta language barrier wat hulle moes dee leef, kan nou oek excitement en hulle natural liefde vi science cultivate. Osse Science gie access and promote possibility. It expand die velt wattie kint in kan interest develop en volg op skool en inne ideal situation, beyond skool. Osse Science le ‘n fondasie vi aspirations en elevation van osse kint. Period.
bua-lit, the Society virrie Advancement van Kaaps (SAK) and the Centre for Multilingualism and Diversities Research (CMDR) are thrilled to share Osse Science with you. Osse Science is the result of months of collaboration between educators, linguists, and literacy advocates who share a vision of multilingual education rooted in equity. The booklet has been designed as a bilingual Kaaps-English textbook for Grade 6 Natural Science and Technology. Kaaps is a vibrant language with a rich history that is spoken by millions of people in the Western Cape, yet it remains underrepresented in formal education. Osse Science aims to change that, supporting learners in connecting their home language to scientific concepts while strengthening literacy across languages.
The booklet has been developed as part of the Bilingual Learning Materials project at the CMDR and research is underway to track its uptake in schools and beyond. The booklet invites learners and teachers to switch confidently between Kaaps and English through translanguaging, a strategy now endorsed by the Department of Basic Education. Each page is filled with accessible diagrams, practical activities, and explanations in both languages, ensuring no learner is left behind. The content of Osse Science is aligned to the CAPS learning area ‘Energy and Change’ and is ready to use by teachers and learners in Term 3 2025.
In the words of Dr Earl-Ray Basson, Cape Peninsula University of Technology:
A few years ago, the idea of Kaaps in a Science classroom sounded impossible; or possibly even ridiculous. But here, the collaborators of the Osse Science teaching materials illustrate how it can be done. The Osse Science teaching materials is a valuable contribution to a growing body of work focused on advancing linguistic justice as it pertains to Kaaps. It offers productive possibilities for reimagining curriculum development and implementation while simultaneously broadening the functions of Kaaps. Most importantly, the Osse Science teaching materials can enrich the teaching and learning experience for both the learners and the teacher.
We look forward to hearing your thoughts on this ground-breaking publication! Please get in touch.
Gaireyah Fredericks, Leona Claasen and Robyn Tyler
