Post by Merceline Ochieng
From the 18th to the 21st of October 2023, the Confucius Institute at the University of Nairobi was the epicentre of global learning and cultural exchange as it hosted the GLOCAL (Global Council for Anthropological Linguistics) AFALA (African Association for Linguistic Anthropology) conference on anthropological linguistics.
This transformative event brought together scholars, linguists, and cultural enthusiasts from around the world, including participants from Italy, Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, Turkey, and a multitude of other nations. The conference not only delved into the intricate field of anthropological linguistics but also offered an enriching opportunity to explore the multicultural landscape of Kenya.
The opening of the event The opening of the AFALA conference was a stirring amalgamation of cultural respect and scholarly homage. The ceremony commenced with a reverent rendition of the Kenyan national anthem, resonating through the halls, followed by the East African anthem, symbolizing the unity of the region. Professor Onyango Ouma, the esteemed Chair of the African Assembly on Linguistic Anthropology and Director of the Institute of Anthropology, Gender, and African Studies at the University of Nairobi, graced the stage to deliver a warm and impassioned welcome address. His speech not only set the tone for the academic proceedings but also embraced the spirit of inclusivity, emphasizing the conference’s role in fostering cross-cultural dialogue and the exploration of linguistic anthropology in the context of African diversity and global significance. Professor Ouma’s speech created an atmosphere filled with eager anticipation and deep respect for scholarship, signifying the commencement of a profoundly stimulating academic gathering.
The event was enhanced by the presence of three distinguished keynote speakers who were Professor Humphrey Jeremiah Ojwang from the University of Nairobi (UoN), Professor Pavlos Kauvoras, UNESCO Chair at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA), and Professor Lutz Marten of SOAS University of London who is also a co-investigator in our Swahili Dialects Project. Each speaker brought a unique viewpoint, enriching the discussions and expanding the intellectual horizons of attendees. They illuminated the conference with their expertise, offering fresh insights into the intricate relationship between language and culture. Their presentations ignited intellectual discussions, motivating attendees to explore the depths of anthropological linguistics, and sparking collaborations that would transcend borders and disciplines.
Project presentation
Our project presentation at the close of the first day of the conference took the form of a colloquium divided into two engaging sections. In the first segment, Annah Kariuki, Merceline Ochieng, and Lutz Marten represented the Swahili project team, delivering a comprehensive analysis of attitudes towards the Swahili language. Drawing from data from our perceptual and sociolinguistic surveys, we showed that people perceive various varieties of Swahili beyond the well-established coastal dialects, emphasizing factors like age, occupation, interlocutors, domain, and geographic space. The thought-provoking insights provided by this presentation sparked a lively discussion among the audience. The second presentation, led by SOAS’s Emeritus Professor Itesh Sachdev, showcased an impressive examination of language attitudes and code-switching in Tunisia, adopting a range of innovative sociolinguistic methods and captivating the audience with its depth and insight. Despite the, by this stage, advanced hour, both talks were received with enthusiasm and generated a flurry of comments and questions from the engaged and intrigued conference attendees.
The conference did not conclude with academic discussions. It extended beyond the lecture halls into a vibrant field excursion that took participants on a journey through Kenya’s natural and cultural treasures. The first stop was the Nairobi National Park, a unique wildlife sanctuary nestled in the heart of the bustling city. Here, the participants had the privilege of observing the majestic creatures that call Kenya home, creating lasting memories amidst the natural splendour. But the cultural exploration did not end there.
The conference wrapped up with a visit to the Bomas of Kenya, a living museum that showcases the traditional homes and lifestyles of various Kenyan communities. The participants were treated to an unforgettable display of cultural diversity as they witnessed traditional dances performed by the Luo, Gikuyu, Maasai, Luyah, Mijikenda, Kamba, and more. Each dance was a testament to the unique cultural identities of these communities, with their vibrant colours, rhythmic beats, and storytelling movements.
The memories created during these few days will continue to inspire us to appreciate the linguistic and cultural mosaic that enriches our global community. This event served as a reminder of the profound beauty in our diversity, and the enduring connections that can be forged when people from different backgrounds come together to learn, share, and celebrate their shared humanity.
Swahili Dialects Project 