10TH ANNIVERSARY SYMPOSIUM ON INDIGENOUS LANGUAGE MEDIA AND COMMUNICATION

Background and Rationale

Indigenous languages are carriers of culture, history, and identity. They hold the ancestral knowledge systems, oral traditions, and worldviews of communities across the globe. Yet, many of these languages are endangered, underrepresented, or marginalized in mainstream media and communication platforms.

As the world rapidly globalises, the space for indigenous voices in media becomes increasingly limited, threatening the intergenerational transmission of these languages. However, indigenous language media practitioners, storytellers, scholars, and activists are finding new and innovative ways to revitalize, preserve, and promote their languages through traditional oral storytelling, digital media, community radio, film, print, and social media platforms.

With the overarching theme “Legends of the Past, Present and Tomorrow”, this conference seeks to explore how indigenous language media can serve as a bridge connecting the historical depth of indigenous knowledge, contemporary communication strategies, and the future of indigenous expression and identity.

At the heart of this exploration are the activities of the Indigenous Language Media in Africa (ILMA) Research Focus Area, which engages critically with the production, representation, dissemination, and reception of media in African indigenous languages. Since its inception, ILMA has significantly contributed to scholarship in this field, producing a robust body of work in the form of journal articles, conferences, and edited volumes. These studies offer key insights into how indigenous language media preserve cultural heritage and oral traditions while also empowering communities through culturally resonant storytelling, journalism, and digital innovation (see Adesina, Salawu & Adeyeye, 2025; Fadipe, Salawu & Ogundeyi, 2024; Mathe & Motsaathebe, 2023; Molale & Mpofu, 2023, Salawu et al., 2022; Tshabangu & Salawu, 2022; Salawu, 2020; Amenaghawon, 2019; Motsaathebe, 2018; Salawu, 2018; Salawu, 2016). A notable recent contribution from ILMA is the 2025 Routledge publication Marketing Communication in African Languages (see Salawu & Oyesomi, 2025).

Beyond its academic outputs, ILMA has been instrumental in advancing indigenous language media through public engagement initiatives, including seminars, lectures, and conferences. Some key milestones include hosting the 2024 biennial conference of the International Association for Minority Language Media Research (IAMLMR) at North-West University, Mahikeng, South Africa, an event that brought together scholars from around the world, the bestowing of two Honorary Doctorates at North-West University. Through its research, publishing, and public engagement, ILMA continues to shape the development and sustainability of ethnic media and indigenous languages across Africa. It is through this lens that the conference invites participants to critically reflect on how the legacies of the past inform present practices and shape the future of indigenous language media on the continent.

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

Conference 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

Symposium Format

The symposium will be held in-person. It will feature keynote presentation(s), panel discussions, and cultural performances.

Registration Details

Abstract Submission Closed!
Registration Opens: 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.

Registration fee:

Established scholars – R 3 500
Students – R1 500 (students to provide proof of registration)

NB! Registration and payment details are shared with participants accepted to present and/or participate in the symposium.

The registration fee covers attendance at the Symposium, as well as refreshments and lunches during the event. It does not include travel, accommodation, or dinner expenses.

Accommodation Information

Accommodation can be booked with either Birchwood Hotel (Where the Symposium hosted) or nearby hotels and guest houses.

When making a booking with Birchwood Hotel, you are advised to indicate to the hotel reservation office that you are attending the NWU ILMA Symposium, in order to get a discounted rate.

NB! Payments should be made directly to Birchwood Hotel when booking with them.

For reservations at Birchwood Hotel, contact:

Email: reservations@birchwoodhotel.co.za
Tel: +27 11 8970075

Access the following link for nearby hotels and guest houses to the symposium venue: t.ly/h8pXN

Conclusion

By reflecting on the “legends” of our past, engaging with those shaping the present, and envisioning the future of indigenous language communication, this symposium aims to inspire a renewed commitment to linguistic and cultural diversity. We invite you to be part of this critical conversation and celebration of indigenous voices in media.

General ILMA Symposium Enquiries

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