The Department of African Languages is dedicated to advancing the study and appreciation of isiXhosa and other African languages. Our programmes provide students with the knowledge and skills essential for careers in education, communication, and cultural preservation, ensuring that African languages remain central to academic and societal discourse.
Through high-quality teaching and research, we elevate the role of African languages in education, culture, and public life. Our work targets local communities’ linguistic and educational needs while supporting the use of African languages in cultural, economic, and social contexts. By integrating language studies with real-world applications, we prepare students to make meaningful contributions to Africa’s linguistic and educational development and confidently engage in multilingual and global environments.
Undergraduate Programmes
Explore isiXhosa through Stellenbosch University's undergraduate courses designed for various experience levels. From basic Xhosa for communication to advanced modules in linguistics and literature, these courses prepare students for effective communication and career opportunities in South Africa.
Postgraduate Programmes
Acquire expert knowledge in literature, linguistics, communication, or language teaching tailored to meet the demands of multilingual environments. These degrees equip students and professionals with cutting-edge skills to contribute to the African Renaissance and the advancement of multilingualism.
Do your part to promote the African languages in a multilingual South Africa
ISIXHOSA CAN BE TAKEN AS A SUBJECT IN MOST BA PROGRAMMES
By learning isiXhosa you will:
- acquire the skills of effective communication in isiXhosa;
- understand and appreciate the language-related social and cultural values of isiXhosa;
- obtain insight in language policy and planning for the African languages, as well as knowledge of the linguistics and literature of isiXhosa;
- acquire the knowledge and skills to teach communication skills in isiXhosa to people who want to learn the language.
Career Opportunities
Multilingual South Africa has a variety of communicative needs, and knowing an African language assists in effective communication in personal and professional domains. Knowledge of the linguistics and literature of isiXhosa coupled with good communication skills in the language can open up great opportunities in language teaching, publishing, translation, communication in the government and commerce sectors, advertising and the broadcast media.