Hundzula - Natural Language Processing <> Linguistics Retreat

🌟 Introducing the next Hundzula: Natural Language Processing and Linguistics Retreat (5th Edition)

The last few years have seen many advancements in African Linguistics and Natural Language Processing (NLP). As we grow our research and practice, it is important that we not forget the link between Linguistics and language technologies (NLP). Building on the momentum set by initiatives such as SADILAR, RAIL, Masakhane, SautiYetu and others, we are excited to host a small gathering of researchers (mostly young and emerging).

To this end, we're organising the Hundzula: Natural Language Processing and Linguistics retreat, to be hosted at North-West University. We are working to bring together researchers working in Natural Language Processing and Linguistics. 

The aim of the retreat is to be a venue to learn, teach and assist each other. We are planning to 

• Teach: have a few speakers covering fundamentals in both NLP and Linguistics. The goal is to make it possible for researchers in either discipline to be able to engage with scholarship from either discipline in future. 

• Learn: Understand some of the cutting edge challenges and approaches.

• Ideate: Facilitate brainstorming amongst participants in order to hopefully create new research ideas for the 2026 year

• Support: Understand some of the challenges faced by emerging researchers in this field and work to have more collaborations.

Note: Only Accepted participants can attend the retreat.

🔍 Unlock the Future of Language Technologies: Join the Hundzula Retreat!

In recent years, African NLP has witnessed groundbreaking advancements, paving the way for intriguing developments in African Linguistics. We firmly believe in the inseparable connection between the fields of Computer Sciences and Linguistics, to this end, we extend a warm invitation for you to be a part of this transformative experience to discover where innovation meets tradition. Thanks to pioneering initiatives like SADILAR, RAIL, Masakhane, etc., we're inspired to bridge the gap further and cultivate the next generation of research leaders. 

We aim to create a vibrant hub for scholars, particularly the budding and emerging talents, to collaborate, share insights, and shape the future of language and language technologies. Be a part of this transformative experience and discover where innovation meets tradition.

🌐 Let's unite, explore, and redefine the boundaries of NLP and Linguistics. Dive into the future with us!

Organisers

• Dan Masethe (TUT)

• Fefelethu Motlhoiwa (NWU)

• Hunadi Ramvubela (NWU)

• Jessica Mabaso (SADiLaR)

• Johannes Sibeko (NMU)

• Kelebogile Sathekge (UP)

• Koketso Ntshabele (NWU)

• Mpho Primus (UJ) 

• Neo Putini (UKZN)

• Nosipho Dladlu Mntuwaphi (NWU)

• Reorapetse Molose (NWU)

• Seani Rananga (UP)

• Thapelo Sindane (UP)

• Keobaka Seshoka (NWU) - Local Chair

• Vukosi Marivate (UP) - vukosi.marivate@cs.up.ac.za - Advisory

Assistants

Support for 2026

• Google Tensorflow

• DSFSI @ University of Pretoria

• iis @ University of Johannesburg