Evaluating the Spelling of Loanwords in Sepedi: A Case of Two Grade 12 Prescribed Texts

Spelling forms a critical part of the writing skill. For learners and students to master the writing skill, their prescribed books should adhere to the correct spelling patterns of both native and foreign words. However, the standard spelling of loanwords remains a mammoth challenge for speakers and writers of African languages. This paper seeks to evaluate the spelling of loanwords adapted into Sepedi with special reference to two Grade 12 prescribed texts, namely Kgalagalo tša Setu and O Iphihletšeng? It is a qualitative and descriptive study that purposively sampled the two texts due to their practicality and the numerous misspelled loanwords. Data were collected using a document review method, which involves a thorough reading of the texts and identifying loanwords for the purpose of the matter under discussion. Data analysis was performed through a thematic lens. Findings demonstrate that, rather than other linguistic adaptation procedures and considerations, the consonant-vowel (CV) syllabic pattern is being ignored when adapting loanwords into Sepedi. The findings aspire to eliminate loanword spelling errors committed by literary writers as well as learners and ultimately recommend the inclusion of professional grammarians during the Department of Basic Education screening process. This study contributes to the call for proper standardization, preservation and development of Sepedi.