(University of the Free State, 2011) Walton, Elizabeth; Lloyd, Gillian
English: Metaphors may delay the implementation of inclusive education. They describe
ideas, construct thinking, and have implications for practice. By drawing on various
theories of metaphor, the article analyses metaphors that occur in White Paper Six:
special needs education and in subsequent inclusive education discourse. It focuses
on inclusion as a goal, a building, a process and hospitality, and describes what
these metaphors offer in order to develop an understanding of inclusive education.
These metaphors have conceptual limitations which may affect the way in which
inclusion is practised in South Africa. Metaphors that convey inclusion are required
as an urgent imperative to ensure that all South African children access quality
education.