General Linguistics—especially theoretical, empirical and descriptive work—provides the tools to ask deep questions about the structure, use, and diversity of human language. In a region like Southern Africa, which is home to an extraordinary range of languages and linguistic ecologies, this work is not only academically important but socially and historically urgent.

At the heart of theoretical and descriptive linguistics lies the documentation and analysis of languages as they are spoken—grounding abstract insights in real linguistic data. In our region, many languages remain under-described, under-documented, or entirely absent from the global linguistic literature. This has consequences: it means these languages are often not represented in how linguistics is taught, in how linguistic theory is developed, or in how language policy is shaped. It also means communities are deprived of resources that could support language development, education, and cultural transmission.

We believe that building strong foundations in General Linguistics allows researchers, students, and institutions in Southern Africa to engage critically and creatively with the linguistic realities of the region. Theoretical and typological insights must emerge from and respond to our languages—not merely adapt frameworks developed elsewhere.

Our vision is of a linguistics that is rooted in African languages, speaks to global debates, and contributes meaningfully to local contexts. We are working towards a future where Southern African languages are studied with the same depth and rigour as any world language, and where African scholars shape the field from within.