Call for Papers: SOAS Baraza Swahili Studies conference

Abstracts are invited for short presentations at the annual SOAS BARAZA Swahili Studies Conference (31 October 2026) addressing any aspect of the language, literature, translation, culture, art, philosophy or diaspora of the Swahili speaking peoples of the world. The aim of the meeting is to foster academic interaction and exchange about new or emerging research, developing ideas and interests for mutual benefit among Swahili scholars and students.

This year’s Baraza main theme is ‘ Retrieving the past, reshaping knowledge’ a theme that calls for renewed engagement with the deep intellectual, cultural, and historical foundations of the Swahili world, while also encouraging innovative approaches that speak to contemporary realities.

We welcome papers that explore how communities, texts, artistic traditions and digital forms draw upon the past to generate new forms of knowledge, identity, and expression. The theme invites contributors to consider the dynamic interplay between memory and modernity, heritage and transformation, continuity and reinvention.

We welcome papers that address issues around the cosmopolitan Swahili culture and society, changing aspects of Swahili language and linguistics; about the historical trajectories of Swahili literary and cultural writings and other forms of expression. We are also interested in contributions from digital and AI practitioners and artists.

Please email your 250-300 word abstract and title of your presentation (in English or Swahili) to: cas@soas.ac.uk

Deadline: 15 September 2026

Image: Ida Hadjvayanis