From 19 to 21 January, 26 young scholars in applied linguistics, linguistics, and literature participated in the fifth USAN conference, hosted by the Department of Afrikaans and Dutch.

Young scholars (honours students who have graduated or are just about to receive their degree, Master's students, doctoral students and postdoctoral fellows) from seven South African universities (Free State, Johannesburg, Nelson Mandela, Pretoria, Stellenbosch, UWC and Wits) used the opportunity to present their research. In line with the new normal, the conference had a hybrid format, with six presenters logging in from elsewhere, including Trieste and Rome in Italy. Most of the presenters opted to attend in person, making the most of the networking possibilities this afforded them.

Keynotes were delivered by Prof. Louise Viljoen, a retired colleague and a leading light in South African literary criticism, and Prof. Ilse Feinauer, the Ton and Anet Vosloo Chair in Afrikaans Language Practice. Prof. Tina Steiner, Department of English, held a workshop on building an academic career and maintaining a steady research output. All three these formidable researchers provided both food for thought and inspiration to investigate and publish.

USAN is the first major event to be held during the Department's centenary. An auspicious start to what promises to be a very productive year.​