Hundzula - Natural Language Processing <> Linguistics Retreat
10-14 February 2026, North-West University
10-14 February 2026, North-West University
🌟 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!
Jessica Mabaso (SADiLaR)
Johannes Sibeko (NMU)
Kelebogile Sathekge (UP)
Mpho Primus (UJ)
Neo Putini (UKZN)
Seani Rananga (UP)
Thapelo Sindane (UP)
Vukosi Marivate (UP) - vukosi.marivate@cs.up.ac.za - Advisory
Google Tensorflow
DSFSI @ University of Pretoria
iis @ University of Johannesburg
Financial support (logistics) through Data Science for Social Impact @ University of Pretoria
Financial support through a Tensorflow gift.
2026 Logistics support through the South African Centre for Digital Language Resources (SADiLaR) - https://sadilar.org/
Financial support through FCDO and IDRC-funded AI4D program
Financial support through The UK government’s Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office
Financial support through Canada’s International Development Research Centre (IDRC)