Imagining Linguistics in Africa for the 21st Century

This panel brings together scholars and practitioners from universities across the Eastern Cape Province to engage in a critical, forward-looking conversation about the future of linguistics in Africa. Anchored in themes of decoloniality, interdisciplinarity, and community-centred research, the discussion seeks to reimagine what African linguistics can and should look like in the 21st century.

Panellists will explore questions around the global visibility of African linguistics, structural and institutional challenges, and the role of universities in nurturing bottom-up multilingualism. The session will also consider how we might support African languages in the face of declining daily use, and how meaningful alliances between departments, students, and communities can help reshape language policy and practice.

Structured as a 60-minute conversation, the panel will open with brief reflections from each participant, followed by a moderated discussion and audience engagement. This dialogue aims to inspire new thinking and practical pathways for transforming linguistic scholarship and practice on the continent.

Session chair

Lamla Notshulwana is a Lecturer at the University of Fort Hare and a PhD candidate in Applied Linguistics at Nelson Mandela University. She is a proud recipient of the Golden Key International Honour Society recognition. Prior to her current role, she taught Linguistics and Academic English at Eduvos College, following a successful three-year contract at Nelson Mandela University. Notshulwana also works with PGCE students and has experience as an online English as a Foreign Language (EFL) teacher, supported by her TEFL certification. Her research interests include second language acquisition and learning, literacy education, and Humanising Pedagogy.

Presenters

Dion Nkomo is a full professor of African Language Studies at the School of Languages and Literatures at Rhodes University, where he currently serves as the NRF SARChI Chair for Intellectualisation of African Languages, Multilingualism and Education. Among others, his academic interests are in language planning and policy, multilingualism, language teaching, translation and terminology. He is a national and international collaborator in capacity building and research projects on multilingualism. He obtained his PhD from the Stellenbosch University and has previously worked at the University of Cape Town and the University of Zimbabwe.

Chanel van der Merwe is a lecturer in linguistics and applied linguistics at Nelson Mandela University, and a doctoral candidate at University of Cape Town. Her research interests include the African university, language policy, multilingualism, feminist and southern epistemologies. She organised the Global Virtual Forum hosted by the African Studies Centre at Penn State University under the leadership of Professor Sinfree Makoni. She also chaired the inaugural Global Southern Forum conference hosted by Nelson Mandela University, Penn State University, and University of Connecticut. She is a recipient of multiple international and national funding for her postgraduate studies. Her most recent publications includes a co-edited book with Sinfree Makoni titled ‘Decolonial Options in Higher Education: Cracks and Fissures’ published by Multilingual Matters.

Sinoyolo Nokutywa is a Lecturer at Walter Sisulu University and a PhD student. He is also the Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS) Manager at Walter Sisulu University, and a member of the Southern African Linguistics and Applied Linguistics Society (SALALS). He has made a notable contribution to isiXhosa literature through the recent publication of two co-authored chapters. His work explores themes such as insults and blasphemy (Izithuko nezenyeliso), as well as the onomastics of the months (Ukuthiywa kweenyanga), engaging deeply with the linguistic and cultural dimensions of the Xhosa language. Nokutywa’s scholarship challenges colonial legacies and affirms the value of indigenous knowledge systems.