Developing a Multilingual Mindset

Fatima Halday is the Head of Communication at the Language Centre at Stellenbosch University, where she leverages her extensive experience in teaching English within local and transnational higher education contexts. Her areas of expertise include technology-enhanced learning, intercultural competence and communication, professional development in higher education, and second-language pedagogy, particularly focusing on the affective factors in second-language acquisition. Fatima aims to create a dynamic and supportive learning environment that respects and values the diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds of all students, equipping them with the language skills and critical thinking abilities necessary for success in their personal, academic, and professional lives. Her commitment to fostering inclusive educational practices is reflected in her approach to curriculum design and student engagement.

Sanet de Jager is a Senior Interpreter at the Language Centre at Stellenbosch University, bringing over nine years of experience in educational and conference interpreting. She specializes in theoretical and applied linguistics, interpreting theory and practice, and multilingualism in higher education. Sanet has co-authored the paper Perceptions of Educational Interpreting at SU: Towards a More Informed and Supportive Interpreting Service, published in the Stellenbosch Papers in Linguistics Plus. Since 2020, she has been actively working to promote multilingualism at Stellenbosch University, coordinating and presenting various workshops aimed at enhancing the understanding and implementation of multilingual practices within the academic environment. Her efforts contribute significantly to creating an inclusive educational atmosphere that values linguistic diversity.

Carmen Brewis is a Senior Interpreter and Researcher at the Language Centre of Stellenbosch University, with over ten years of experience in educational and conference interpreting. She holds a PhD in Translation and Interpreting Studies, which she completed in 2020, and has been teaching interpreting since 2015. Her areas of expertise include translation and interpreting studies, research methodology, and multilingualism. Carmen has authored significant works such as Some Material Aspects of an Interpreted University Lecture: Gaining Insight into the Realities of Interpreter-Mediated Teaching and Learning and Perceptions of Educational Interpreting at SU: Towards a More Informed and Supportive Interpreting Service, published in Stellenbosch Papers in Linguistics Plus. Her research focuses on improving interpreting services to enhance the learning experience for students, advocating for more informed practices that address the evolving needs of users in multilingual educational settings