By Zandri van Greunen
The Zive Usekhaya: Language and Belonging workshop, hosted by Stellenbosch University (SU) Language Centre from 7 to 9 October, explored how language influences students’ sense of belonging at SU. Building on the themes of Languages Week in March, the workshops invited students to reflect on their personal connections to language and identity.
The workshops were led by Dr Arné Binneman, Head of Multilingual Learning at the Language Centre, alongside Jaydey Sass, a lecturer in Academic Literacies and Professional Communication, Siphiwo Mkondweni, an Interpreter at the Language Centre and Nika Ndlela, a language facilitator at the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences. Together they facilitated discussions using the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization’s (UNESCO) story circle framework. This framework promotes intercultural competency through active listening and shared storytelling.
Students were grouped into small groups with peers they had not met before as part of the story circles. The first task involved answering prompts one at a time, while the others listened attentively without responding immediately. After each person had shared, the group reflected on what stood out in each individual’s narrative. “What stood out to me was the willingness to be vulnerable,” said Wendy Levac, a third-year B in Social Work student. “We were able to engage with different perspectives and ways of thinking.”
Other activities included reflective exercises where students wrote down ten words that defined “belonging” to them. The group then discussed how language connects to identity and belonging. Many students shared that speaking their home language or cooking cultural meals made them feel at home.
The workshop ended with a creative beading activity. Students made bracelets, keychains, and necklaces with words like “gemeenskap”, “sandasonke,” and “listen”. These items served as personal reminders of what students can take away from these workshops.
Binneman highlighted the significance of growing a multilingual mindset on campus. “The workshops were about creating a space for students to listen to stories they might not otherwise hear. It’s about respecting people, languages and cultures,” Binneman explained. She was also surprised by the strong interest, with nearly 200 students signing up. “This shows that students have a genuine appetite to engage with language and multiculturalism.”
The workshops sparked not only conversations, but meaningful connections between students. Through shared stories and reflections, it became evident: fostering empathy and openness is essential to shaping a more inclusive campus for all.
