ABOUT SIASSL
Studies on Indigenous Signed and Spoken Languages of Africa (SIASSL) is a movement to advance the study, promotion, and preservation of indigenous signed and spoken languages across Africa and beyond. We are committed to publishing high-quality research that highlights the richness and diversity of these languages and supports the communities that speak them.
Who we are
Studies on Indigenous Signed and Spoken Languages of Africa (SIASSL) is an academic platform dedicated to the rigorous study, documentation, and celebration of Africa’s indigenous linguistic heritage, both signed and spoken. Our mission is to promote greater understanding, appreciation, and preservation of the diverse linguistic traditions that shape the cultural identities of communities across the African continent and in the diaspora.
At SIASSL, we recognize that indigenous languages are not merely tools for communication, they are carriers of culture, repositories of ancestral knowledge, and vital expressions of identity and worldview. This is especially true for Africa’s signed and spoken languages, many of which remain underrepresented in academic discourse and vulnerable to erosion in the face of globalization.
Our Vision
We envision a future where African indigenous languages, both signed and spoken, are thoroughly researched, actively taught, widely recognized, and fully integrated into educational, cultural, and policy frameworks across the continent and beyond.
What We Do
Research and Publication: We publish peer-reviewed, high-quality research articles that explore the structure, use, evolution, and sociocultural impact of indigenous African languages.
Advocacy and Awareness: SIASSL supports efforts to raise awareness about language endangerment and to promote inclusive linguistic practices, especially for signed language communities.
Community-Centered Focus: We work in partnership with language communities to ensure their voices, needs, and lived experiences are reflected in our work.
Preservation and Documentation: Through collaborative fieldwork and interdisciplinary approaches, we aim to document and preserve languages that are at risk of disappearing.
Who We Serve
SIASSL serves a broad audience of linguists, educators, policymakers, language activists, and members of indigenous language communities. Whether you are conducting scholarly research, advocating for language rights, or simply interested in Africa’s rich linguistic landscape, SIASSL offers a platform for knowledge exchange and collaboration.
