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

TimeEventParticipants
3.00pm - 3.05pmOpening RemarksProf Adam Habib, Vice Chancellor (SOAS)
3.05pm - 3.15pmWelcome SpeechAmbassador 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 - 4.10pmMusical Interlude

Mr Freddy Macha (London)

Baba Tunu (London) 

Adam Rodgers Johns (SOAS)

4.10pm - 4.20pmSwahili in AcademiaProf Lutz Marten (SOAS)
4.20pm - 4.30pmMotherland by Ery Nzaramba - extracts from a new audio play inspired by SwahiliEry Nzaramba (Applied Stories), Dr Elizabeth Haines and Iqbal Singh (UK National Archives)
4.30pm - 4.40pmMusical Interlude

Mr Freddy Macha (London)

Baba Tunu (London)

Adam Rodgers Johns (SOAS)

4.40pm - 4.45pmClosing RemarksSOAS / Tanzania High Commission in the UK
4.45pm - 5.00pmDrink and SnacksAttendees

This event is free of charge but registration is required.