Language refers to the written and verbal form of communication, like both reading something in English and speaking the language. Literature came into existence because of language and is an expression of language.
Literature only refers to the written form of communication, while language is used to express ideas, opinions, and knowledge, whereas literature is imaginative. Although these terms do have different definitions, one would not exist without the other.
If you are passionate about language and literature, you could study a Bachelors of Social Science or Bachelors of Arts in a language of your choice, an Honours Degree in language, a Masters specializing in Literature, Research, Creative Writing, or even obtain a PhD in your language of choice.
Here is a list of companies and institutions offering bursaries for language, literature and media studies:
The Department of Sports, Arts and Culture (DSAC) Language Bursary
The DSAC aims to financially contribute to students of language studies in order to help develop much needed language skills within the South African context. If you think your studies are related to this focus, you are encouraged to apply for this bursary.
The bursary applications are open to all full-time undergraduates, and full-time and part-time Honours and MA students of language studies at the North-West University.
The requirements for this bursary include:
- You have to be registered for a BA, BA Hons or MA programme at NWU in 2022
- Relevant subject areas for consideration are Language Practice, Setswana, Sesotho, Afrikaans, English, South African Sign Language and Language Technology
- You have to achieve 60% in one of the relevant language subject areas
- Honours students should take at least two linguistic-based modules
- Postgraduate students' topics should be linguistics-based
Bridgestone
One of South Africa's major tyre companies, has multiple bursaries on offer. Students who are from Port Elizabeth and are pursuing studies within these fields may apply for the Bridgestone Bursary, which include Language and Art related qualifications.
The eligibility requirements of this bursary are as follows:
- You must be a South African citizen
- You must be from Port Elizabeth and must be residing in Port Elizabeth
- You must have completed Matric
- You must be accepted or registered to study at a tertiary institute in South Africa, for the 2021 academic year
- You must be studying or registered to study towards a qualification, within one of the aforementioned fields of study
- You must have achieved a minimum overall average of 60% for the previous year of study (2020)
- You must be undertaking part-time or full-time studies
- You must NOT be in receipt of any other bursary funding from another organization or company
Absa Fellowship/Scholarship Programme
Absa is inviting students from selected African countries, to apply for the Absa Fellowship Programme. Students will not only receive a full merit scholarship, they will also receive exposure to a specifically designed Leadership Development Programme and mentorship by Absa leadership and industry experts.
The scholarship will provide cover for NQF7 undergraduate degree studies within the fields of Media Studies, Media Writing, Multi-media, Languages and Education, amongst others.
South African Translators' Institute (SATI) Bursary
The South African Translators' Institute aims to establish a multilingual culture in South Africa and develop translation and interpretation of all 11 official languages. SATI is an association for all language practice professionals including:
- Interpreters
- Translators
- Proofreaders
- Editors
- Copywriters
- Terminologists
- Text reviewers
- Others involved in the language practice industry
The SATI bursary will be awarded to undergraduate studies within the Translating, Interpreting and/or other aspects of Language practice.
The eligibility requirements of this bursary are as follows:
- You must be a South African citizen
- You must be studying towards a qualification in Translating, Interpreting and/or other aspects of Language practice
- You must be in your 2nd, 3rd or 4th year of study
- You must be enrolled at a recognized tertiary institution in South Africa
- You must have achieved a minimum overall average of 65% for all subjects
- You must not have failed any subjects in the year you obtained the bursary
- You must work in combinations of the official South African languages
- You must be in financial need
- You must not be receiving another bursary or grant which covers the same expenses as the SATI bursary
- You must be able to cover the rest of your expenses that aren't covered by the SATI bursary, for the rest of the year
