Celebrating isiXhosa as an official language of South Africa

The South African Centre for Digital Languages Resources ( SADiLaR ) in collaboration with the South African National Lexicographic Units are celebrating the 11 official language of South Africa as part of UNESCO’s International Year of Indigenous Languages.

Herewith an invitation to the language celebration of the isiXhosa language whilst also honouring Professor Ncedile Saule, which will be held at the Amazwi South African Museum of Literature 20 September 2019.

AIM OF EVENT

The main purpose of the invite is to celebrate an indigenous language spoken primarily by 8 million mother tongue speakers in South Africa. In addition, the event aims to celebrate the works of contributions of one Professor Ncedile Saule who has done magnificent work towards the development of isiXhosa through his literary works.

PARTICIPANTS WHO WOULD BE INTERESTED IN EVENT

Academics, language practitioners and all persons who are interested in the development and preservation of isiXhosa.

TOPICS THAT WILL BE INCLUDED

Topics such as the influence that language has on culture, one’s identity, upbringing and development. Also looking at the career possibilities that come with studying indigenous languages.

OUTCOME OF THE EVENT

To entertain, educate and celebrate on matters dealing with isiXhosa.

PROGRAMME OF THE DAY

THEME: Social Cohesion through Literature

             (Uluncwadi bubudlelwane, ubudlelwane Luncwadi!)

Programme director: Mr Mafa Bavuma

                SESSION 1

08:00-09:00: Registration and Breakfast

09:00-09:30: Tea! Tea! Tea!

09:30-09:40: Opening (Nkosi Sikelel’ iAfrika): Choir

09:40- 09:50: Welcome: Prof R Kaschula (Rhodes University)

09:50-10:00: Introduction of Guests: Ms B Nosilela

10:00-10:10: Purpose of the Event: Ms Andiswa Bukula

10:10-10:30: The Horn of the Royal House: Poet

10:30-10:45: SA National Lexicography Unit: Mr Terrence Ball

10:45-11:00: Tea! Tea! Tea!

11:00-11:15: Secretary General of the South African Commission for UNESCO: Mr Mukwevho

11:15-11:25: Challenges and efforts of Prof N Saule: Dr SS Mdaka

11:25-11:35: The Professor has shared with Africans: Ms PC Somkebe

11:35-11:45: Mightier is the Pen of the Mvulane Clan: Dr NP Jaxa

11:45-12:00: The Horn of the Royal House: Poet

12:00-12:10: Introduction of the Keynote Speaker: Ms NK Bilatyi

12:10-12:20: Choir! Choir! Choir!

12:20-13:00: The Keynote Speaker: Dr MMM Duka

SESSION 2

Zimis’amanxele namaxhaga! Zenjenje! Zenjenjeyaa! (Traditional Dance)

14:00-14:15: A Word from the Youth about the isiXhosa Language: Dr H Kunju

I Felt a Touch on My Arm!: Poet

14:15-14:25: Award for Prof N Saule as one of the Champions of the isiXhosa Language: SADiLaR

14:25-14:30: Products of the Champion: Students

Siyangqungqa, Siyagiya-Zisina Zidedelana (Traditional Dance)

14:30-14:50: I’m Telling You! Prof N Saule (Professor and Research Fellow – Rhodes University)

14:50-15:00: Note of Thanks and Closure: Mr Xolisa Tshongolo

COSTS

Participation in the workshop is FREE

Number of attendees that can be accommodated: If this is applicable

80 people

Coffee/tea/refreshments will be provided

REGISTER

Please register before or on 13 September 2019 PROVIDE DATE

If you have any question please liaise with Andiswa Bukula by e-mail at Andiswa.Bukula@nwu.ac.za