MSUNLI LANGUAGE INDABA, 26– 28 FEBRUARY 2025, GWERU MAIN CAMPUS.
FIRST CALL FOR PAPERS FOR THE 2ND EDITION OF MIDLANDS STATE UNIVERSITY NATIONAL LANGUAGE INSTITUTE (MSUNLI) LANGUAGE INDABA
THEME: Mother tongue revitalisation and preservation in the digital era
Overview
The second edition of the MSUNLI Language Indaba invites participants to engage in transformative conversations exploring how African languages chart and unlock new opportunities toward a more equitable and digitally vibrant future. Delegates from different disciplines are encouraged to address important topics that envision a future where African languages are dynamic tools for reshaping narratives that foster inclusivity and empowerment through linguistic and technological innovation. In an increasingly globalised world, many indigenous languages are at risk of extinction as dominant languages overshadow them. This has led to a growing concern about the loss of linguistic diversity and cultural heritage. In response to this challenge, there has been a growing interest in revitalising and preserving mother tongue. This includes efforts to document and preserve endangered languages, promote their use in education and communication as well as develop digital tools and resources to support language teaching and learning. This Call for Papers seeks to explore the ways in which digital tools and technologies can contribute to the revitalisation and preservation of mother tongue. The expected contributions from interdisciplinary perspectives should examine both the theoretical frameworks and practical strategies needed to keep indigenous languages alive in the 21st century.
Themes and Topics: We welcome submissions on a wide range of topics related to Mother tongue revitalisation and preservation, including but not limited to the list provided below:
SUB-THEMES
Computational linguistics and language technology
- Digital tools, resources and online platforms for mother tongue revitalisation
- Digitalisation, mother tongue literacy and education
- Digitising sign language
- Technologies for dictionary making
Language planning and policy
- Policy and mother tongue revitalisation
- Linguistic diversity and multilingualism
- Translanguaging and pedagogy in the digital era
- Translation and terminology development
- Sustainability of mother tongue in Africa
Literature in African Languages
- Language and gender
- Language and cultural identity
- Mother tongue revitalisation in the digital age
- Social media and digital literature
- African languages, culture and heritage
Submission Guidelines
We welcome submissions of original research articles, case studies, theoretical papers, and project reports that address any of the outlined themes. Papers should provide insights into both successes and challenges in leveraging digital technologies for mother tongue revitalisation and preservation. Interdisciplinary contributions that bridge linguistics, technology, and cultural studies are highly encouraged.
Please note the following:
- Abstract Submission: Authors are invited to submit an abstract of no more than 300 words by e-mail as MS Word files outlining their proposed paper.
- Abstract must be accompanied by the following information: Title, full name(s), institutional affiliation, email address and contact numbers.
- Paper presentations will be limited to 20 minutes plus a 10-minute question/discussion session.
NB: All abstracts should be sent to languageindabaabstracts@gmail.com
- Full Paper Submission: Upon acceptance of the abstract, authors will be invited to submit a full paper of up to 7,000 words.
REGISTRATION
For students
Virtual presentation USD $10
In person presentation USD $20
Late registration USD $30
For the purposes of the conference, a student is a person who has registered for an Undergraduate, a Master’s or Doctoral degree at a recognised institution of higher learning in 2025 and does not hold a permanent position at a recognised institution of higher learning.
For non-students
Virtual presentation USD$40
In person presentation USD $80
Late registration: USD $100
The banking details for depositing registration fees are as follows:
Account name: Midlands State University
Bank name: Stanbic Bank
Account number: 9140001318801
Swift code: SBICZWHXXXX
Branch Name Gweru
NB: Proof of registration should be sent to: musemwac@staff.msu.ac.zw or mushayavanhum@staff.msu.ac.zw
COSTS
Travel, accommodation, subsistence, etc. related to delegates’ participation in the conference must be covered by the delegates or their institutions, regardless of the proposal acceptance.
ENQUIRIES:
General Information and Registration
Mrs. M. Dube Phone +263 775585982
Dr. A. Nenduva Phone +263 713142799
Dr. T.F Muringa Phone +263 775138100
IMPORTANT DATES:
Abstract submission: 30 November 2024
Abstract acceptance: 06 December 2024
Poster/ Power Point presentation: 27/28 February 2025
Full article submission: 01 April 2025
Final submission for publication: 30 June 2025
Proposed Publisher: Accepted papers will be peer reviewed and published in a special issue of The Dyke, Midlands State University Journal.