Inauguration of the Institute of Kiswahili Studies, 27/06/2009
This new Institute is entrusted with three basic roles. The first role is to train Kiswahili scholars of different degree levels for the purpose of developing Kiswahili scholarship and spreading the language in East and Central Africa and elsewhere in the world. The second role is to conduct research in all aspects of Kiswahili language, which include Linguistics, Literature, Language Technology and Culture. The third role is to render technical advice to the public, government institutions and both local and international organizations.
In order to fulfill its role of teaching, the new Institute will have two teaching departments: The Department of Kiswahili Language and Linguistics and the Department of Literature, Communication and Publishing. These two departments will offer both undergraduate and postgraduate programs.
The new Institute will also have four research centres: The Centre for Lexicography; the Centre for Terminology, Translation, Interpretation and Language Technology; the Centre for Kiswahili for Foreigners; and the Centre for Kiswahili and African Oral Traditions. As for public service, the Institute will perform different activities such as interpretation, translation, editing, reviewing book manuscripts and conducting short courses for Kiswahili language skills.
The Inauguration ceremony that will commence at 1:00 pm with a procession to be lead by the JWTZ Brass Band from Kiswahili Building to Nkrumah Hall, will be closed at 5:45 pm. The Guest of honour to this inauguration ceremony will be the Honourable Mizengo Kayanza Peter Pinda, the Prime Minister of the United Republic of Tanzania.
Issued by the Director,
Institute of Kiswahili Studies.