Call for Abstracts!

Join us for the 10th Anniversary Symposium on Indigenous Language Media and Communication, hosted by the Indigenous Language Media in Africa (ILMA) Research Focus Area at North-West University, South Africa, on 25–26 August 2026 at the Birchwood Conference Centre, Kempton Park.

Theme: “Legends of the Past, Present and Tomorrow”
Showcase your research, storytelling, and innovation in indigenous language media!

Conference Objectives

To critically examine the role of media and communication in preserving and promoting indigenous languages.
• To showcase innovative practices, research, and projects that centre indigenous language use in storytelling and communication.
• To provide a platform for dialogue and exchange among indigenous language media practitioners, academics, linguists, artists, and
policymakers.
• To build networks for collaboration in indigenous language revitalization efforts through media.
• To reflect on ILMA’s impact in the last ten years and inspire future directions in research, practice, and preservation

Submissions may address, but are not limited to, the following sub-themes:
• Oral Traditions and Storytelling: Narratives as vehicles of indigenous memory, knowledge, and identity.
• Community Media and Language Preservation: The role of radio, television, and local publications in language revitalization.
• Digital Futures: Indigenous language use on social media, podcasts, video games, and mobile applications.
• Policy, Advocacy, and Rights: Legal frameworks, policy initiatives, and activism for indigenous language media.
• Intergenerational Dialogue: Youth engagement and the role of elders in language transmission through media.
• Indigenous Journalism: Reporting in and about indigenous languages and communities.
• Visual and Performing Arts in Language Media: Theatre, film, music, and visual arts as tools for linguistic and cultural transmission.
• Research and Methodologies: Innovative academic approaches to studying indigenous language media.
• Indigenous Language Media and Communication for Development and Social Change

Submission Guidelines

Abstract Length: 250–300 words
Languages Accepted: Indigenous languages (with an accompanying English translation) and English
Deadline for Submission: 30 November 2025
Notification of Acceptance: 15 December 2025
Registration Open: 1 April 2026
Registration Closes: 15 July 2026
Full Paper Submission post-symposium (if applicable): Interested contributors with full papers can have their submissions considered
for publications in the International Journal of Indigenous Language Media and Discourse (IJILMD) – Open Access Journal.
In line with the NWU Language Policy, abstracts in the following languages will also be welcome, provided they are translated in English:
Setswana
Sesotho
Afrikaans
SASL
Submissions should include the following:
Title of the paper/presentation
Name(s) of author(s)
Institutional affiliation or community representation
eMail address
Sub-theme addressed
Submit to: ilma@nwu.ac.za

Conference Fees

Established scholars: R 3 500
Students: R 1 500

For inquiries, contact the LOC secretariat, Dr Bukola Ajala and Mr Ofentse Ngake via ilma@nwu.ac.za

Let’s shape the future of indigenous language voices in media.
#ILMA2026 #IndigenousVoices #LanguageMedia #CallForPapers #NWU #StorytellingMatters