Call for Abstracts

10th Anniversary Symposium on Indigenous Language Media and Communication

The Indigenous Language Media in Africa (ILMA) Research Focus Area at North-West University (NWU), South Africa, invites scholars, media practitioners, community leaders, artists, and students to submit abstracts for its 10th Anniversary Symposium on Indigenous Language Media and Communication.

📅 25–26 August 2026
📍 Birchwood Conference Centre, Kempton Park, South Africa
🎯 Theme: Legends of the Past, Present and Tomorrow

This milestone symposium provides a platform for critical engagement with Indigenous language media, communication practices, and creative expressions across Africa, while reflecting on past legacies, present realities, and future possibilities.

Sub-Themes (including but not limited to):

• Oral Traditions and Storytelling
• Community Media and Language Preservation
• Digital Futures
• Policy, Advocacy, and Rights
• Intergenerational Dialogue
• Indigenous Journalism: Reporting in and about Indigenous languages and communities
• Visual and Performing Arts in Language Media
• Research and Methodologies
• Indigenous Language Media and Communication for Development and Social Change

Submission Guidelines:

• Abstract length: 250–300 words
• Languages accepted: Indigenous languages (with accompanying English translation) and English
• Submission deadline: 30 November 2025
• Extended deadline: 30 January 2026
• Notification of acceptance: 13 February 2026

📧 Submit abstracts to: ilma@nwu.ac.za

Registration:

• Established scholars: R3 500
• Students: R1 500
• Registration opens: 1 April 2026
• Registration closes: 15 July 2026

For more information, visit www.ilma.org.za or contact the LOC Secretariat at ilma@nwu.ac.za.