Metaglossia: The Translation World

Cape Town - The use of official languages bill will make a massive contribution towards promoting multilingualism, Arts and Culture Minister Paul Mashatile said on Tuesday.

Speaking in the National Assembly during debate on the bill, he said it was aimed at ensuring that the government elevated the status of especially indigenous languages and promoted their widespread use.

"We wish to reiterate that this bill is not aimed at diminishing the significance and use of any of the South African official languages.

"Through this bill we will promote equitable use of all official languages," he said.

The bill would enable South Africans to use the official languages of their choice in interacting with the government.