Our History

Iilwimi zethu, iingcambu zethu - Our language, our roots

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African Languages have had a presence at Stellenbosch University for more than a century

  • 1926: The study and teaching of African Languages commence at Stellenbosch University.
  • 1964: The Department of African Languages is founded.
  • Up until 1980: The Department is housed in the Old Main Building.
  • 1980: The Department moves to its current location, the Arts and Social Sciences Building.  

Languages studied during the earlier years included isiZulu, Siswati, Sesotho and some Khoisan languages.  In subsequent years, the focus shifted to isiXhosa, the African language which has official status in the Western Cape Province. The Department now teaches isiXhosa communicative skills, linguistics, communication practices and literature. 

The Department of African Languages is a vibrant entity committed to relevant research and teaching and impactful social interaction. It proudly contributes to the promotion of African and endangered languages in multilingual Southern Africa.