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This research explores how language development and proficiency influence science achievement among learners.

December 9, 2025

Language development and science achievement

Key Points

This research explores how language development and proficiency influence science achievement among learners.
Analyzed TIMSS 2019 data for grade 9 students.
Assessed the impact of language of instruction on test performance.
Considered socio-economic factors such as poverty and inequality.
Learners perform better when tests are administered in their home languages.
Language proficiency is a significant contributor to higher performance on science tests.
High levels of poverty and inequality complicate language and education outcomes.

Abstract

It is widely understood that learners who are proficient in the language of the test are better able to successfully answer the questions and achieve higher scores. That is, learners perform best in their home languages. However, simply administering tests in learners home language in South Africa, with its high levels of poverty and inequality, will not necessarily lead to improved results. While language proficiency is a contributor to higher performance, there are other factors at play. Using the TIMSS 2019 grade 9 data, we present further insight into the debate around language of instruction.

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