[Commlist] Call for Abstract Submission for ILMA Symposium

EVENT: 10th Anniversary Symposium on Indigenous Language Media and 
Communication

*25-26 August 2026, Birchwood Conference Centre, Kempton Park*
*Theme: “Legends of the Past, Present and Tomorrow”*
Indigenous languages carry culture, history, and identity, yet many 
remain endangered or marginalized in mainstream media. The 10th 
Anniversary Symposium of the Indigenous Language Media in Africa (ILMA) 
Research Focus Area will explore how media can preserve, revitalize, and 
promote these languages, connecting ancestral knowledge with 
contemporary communication practices and future innovation.

*Objectives:*

  * Examine the role of media and communication in preserving indigenous
    languages.
  * Showcase innovative projects centering indigenous language use in
    storytelling.
  * Provide a platform for dialogue among media practitioners,
    academics, artists, and policymakers.
  * Build networks for collaborative language revitalization efforts.
  * Reflect on ILMA’s impact over the last decade and chart future
    directions.

*Call for Abstracts:*
Scholars, practitioners, artists, community leaders, and students are 
invited to submit abstracts (250–300 words) addressing the conference 
theme or sub-themes, including:

  * Oral traditions and storytelling
  * Community media and language preservation
  * Digital media and indigenous language futures
  * Policy, advocacy, and rights
  * Intergenerational dialogue and youth engagement
  * Indigenous journalism
  * Visual and performing arts
  * Research methodologies
  * Media for development and social change

*Submission Guidelines:*

  * Languages accepted: Indigenous languages (with English translation)
    or English
  * Abstract deadline: *30 November 2025*
  * Notification of acceptance: *15 December 2025*
  * Registration: *1 April – 15 July 2026*
  * Registration fees: R3,500 (established scholars), R1,500 (students)
  * Send abstracts to: *(ilma /at/ nwu.ac.za)*
  * Inquiries: Dr Bukola Ajala & Mr Ofentse Ngake, *(ilma /at/ nwu.ac.za)*

The symposium will feature keynote presentations, panel discussions, 
cultural performances, and exhibitions. Selected full papers may be 
considered for publication in the /International Journal of Indigenous 
Language Media and Discourse (IJILMD)/.


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