World Kiswahili Language Day
Key information
- Date
- Time
-
3:00 pm to 5:00 pm
- Venue
- SOAS, Main Building
- Room
- KLT
About this event
The Tanzania High Commission and SOAS University of London are pleased to commemorate World Kiswahili Language at SOAS on 5 July 2024. Kiswahili is the first African language to be recognized by UNESCO for its role in promoting cultural diversity, creating awareness and fostering dialogue among civilizations.
The theme this year we will be 'Swahili and Multilingualism'. The day will include panel discussions by students and academics, key contributions by diplomatic corps from Swahili speaking countries as well as diasporic communities within the United Kingdom.
Programme
| Time | Event | Participants |
|---|---|---|
| 3.00pm - 3.05pm | Opening Remarks | Prof Adam Habib, Vice Chancellor (SOAS) |
| 3.05pm - 3.15pm | Welcome Speech | Ambassador Mbelwa Kairuki, High Commissioner - United Republic of Tanzania |
| 3.15pm - 4.00pm | Panel Discussion and Q&A Title: Swahili Multilingualism | Prof Farouk Topan (SOAS/Aga Khan) Prof Wangui Wa Goro (SOAS) Mr Thomas Jelpke (SOAS) Dr Ida Hadjivayanis (SOAS) |
| 4.00pm - 4.10pm | Musical Interlude | Mr Freddy Macha (London) Baba Tunu (London) Adam Rodgers Johns (SOAS) |
| 4.10pm - 4.20pm | Swahili in Academia | Prof Lutz Marten (SOAS) |
| 4.20pm - 4.30pm | Motherland by Ery Nzaramba - extracts from a new audio play inspired by Swahili | Ery Nzaramba (Applied Stories), Dr Elizabeth Haines and Iqbal Singh (UK National Archives) |
| 4.30pm - 4.40pm | Musical Interlude | Mr Freddy Macha (London) Baba Tunu (London) Adam Rodgers Johns (SOAS) |
| 4.40pm - 4.45pm | Closing Remarks | SOAS / Tanzania High Commission in the UK |
| 4.45pm - 5.00pm | Drink and Snacks | Attendees |
This event is free of charge but registration is required.
Photo credits: Aron Marinelli via Unsplash
