Evaluating language policy implementation in South African higher education - three decades of progress and challenges: a scoping review protocol

Background: South Africa's higher education system continues to grapple with implementing inclusive language policies three decades after apartheid. Despite progressive reforms, including the 1996 Constitution's recognition of eleven official languages, the 2002 Language Policy for Higher Education, the 2020 Language Policy Framework, and the 2023 addition of South African Sign Language as the twelfth official language, Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) face significant challenges in integrating indigenous African languages into academic settings. These institutions, encompassing public universities, technical universities, and vocational colleges, demonstrate varying levels of success in implementing multilingual policies. Objectives: This scoping review aims to evaluate the current state of language policy implementation in South African public higher education institutions. Specifically, it seeks to: (1) map the integration of multilingual policies into institutional teaching, research, and administrative practices, (2) identify persistent barriers to effective policy implementation, (3) explore successful strategies for promoting multilingualism in higher education settings, (4) evaluate the extent of African language usage in academic contexts, and (5) identify gaps in current research to guide future investigations. Methods: The review will follow Arksey and O'Malley's framework and PRISMA-ScR guidelines. A comprehensive search will be conducted in databases including Google Scholar, Scopus, Web of Science, ERIC, and African Journals Online (AJOL), supplemented by grey literature from government and institutional sources. Three independent reviewers will screen studies using predefined eligibility criteria. Data will be extracted using a standardized form, and thematic analysis will be used to synthesize findings, with stakeholder consultation to validate results. Expected Outcomes: This review will provide a comprehensive assessment of language policy implementation progress, highlighting successful strategies and persistent challenges across institutions. The findings will inform policy refinement, identify effective practices, and guide future research directions for achieving linguistically inclusive higher education in South Africa, while contributing to broader understanding of implementing multilingual policies in post-colonial educational contexts.