COURSES

Content

Bantu languages are the predominant language family of Central, Eastern, and Southern Africa, with an estimated 1 in 3 Africans speaking a Bantu language. The large geographical region in which Bantu languages are spoken combined with the large number of closely-related languages (approx. 555) furthermore provides excellent insight in how languages differ and how languages change over time. This has led to a large amount of research on Bantu languages, in turn influencing general linguistics and related fields.
This course covers key topics of Bantu grammar, contextualising the study of Bantu languages within the history of science. The grammatical domains that will be covered include but are not limited to: noun class systems and their agreement patterns, verbal inflectional categories (e.g. tense, aspect, mood, modality), phonology and the phonology/syntax interface, verbal syntax and semantics, and information structure. Students will familiarise themselves with key developments in Bantu linguistics and develop their own research skills through regularly reading state-of-the-art literature and discussing it with peers in class.
Through the contrastive study of languages belonging to distinct subgroups of the Niger-Congo phylum, other phyla within the African continent (Nilo-Saharan, Afroasiatic, "Khoisan", Austronesian), and other language families, students will be able to situate what they learn about grammatical features of Bantu languages within a broader typological context.
The course is structured around weekly readings – each week, students will be asked to read one or more journal articles or book chapters as preparation. The contents of these chapters will be discussed and built upon collectively during class. Each student will be required to present one research article/chapter of their choice from a list provided in advance. Students will also choose a research paper topic on a feature of their own interest, which will be submitted as the final
assignment.
Prior knowledge of basic linguistic terminology and concepts is assumed. While knowledge of Bantu languages or other African languages is useful, it is not a prerequisite to follow this course.

Learning outcomes

An advanced knowledge and understanding of Bantu language structures and their typological diversity.

Teaching methods

Seminar, Independent work, Peer teaching (No recordings of class will be made)

Assessment

Assessment moments: continuous assessment

Examination methods in case of end-of-term assessment during the first examination period: -

Examination methods in case of continuous assessment: Participation and Assignment

Possibilities of retake in case of end-of-term assessment: not applicable

Extra information on the examination methods: 

• 20% participation (class participation, advance reading of provided literature)
• 30% oral presentation (presentation of journal article/book chapter, research paper proposal)
• 50% final assignment (research paper in which the student will further explore and elaborate on a topic of choice for one or more Bantu languages (7,000-10,000 words, excluding bibliography, language data, and appendix)

Kerr, Elisabeth: Lecturer-in-Charge 

Course dates

This course takes place in the second semester of academic year 2026-2027: 

• Educational activities: 08/02 - 15/05 
• Easter recess: 29/03 – 10/04 
• Catch-up activities: 17/05 – 22/05 
• Examination period: 24/05 – 03/07 
• Resit examination period: 16/08 – 18/09 

Entry requirements: Bachelor in African languages and cultures, Bachelor in Linguistics or equivalent.

How to apply

1. Check whether you meet the entry requirements listed above. You cannot apply if you don’t meet the entry requirements.
2. Check with your home faculty or study programme to confirm whether this course can be included in your curriculum, so the ECTS credits will be recognized. If you are unsure who to contact, reach out to your home university’s ENLIGHT office (contact details below). 
3. Apply by completing the Ghent University form (link will follow) by January 18th. 
4. Register at Ghent University. Registration instructions will follow after application. 

Information per university

• University of the Basque Country: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.   
• University of Bern: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., see application instructions for students at the University of Bern  
• University of Bordeaux: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.     
• Comenius University Bratislava: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. , see application instructions for students at the Comenius University Bratislava 
• University of Galway: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.    
• University of Groningen: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., see information about BIPs and application form  
• University of Göttingen: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. (for BIP’s) or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. (other courses)  
• University of Tartu: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., see information about BIP’s and virtual courses  
• Uppsala University: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., see application instructions for students at Uppsala University 
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For information regarding the procedure to take part in this course: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

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