Apply for the Hundzula: NLP<>Linguistics Retreat 2026
Event Dates: 10-14 February 2026
Application Deadline: 15 November 2025
Notification of Acceptance: 8 December 2025
Location: North-West University
Apply here: https://forms.gle/dWdcqaJeH44t4bhs7
Target Audience:
Researchers based in South Africa are the primary focus. However, we warmly welcome applications from those outside South Africa who can attend in person. For 2026, we are excited to offer sponsorship for up to six participants from the SADAC region, thanks to the support of the AI4D Natural Language Lab at University of Pretoria and AI4D program.
Unlock the Future of Language Technologies: Join the Hundzula Retreat!
In recent years, African Natural Language Processing (NLP) has witnessed groundbreaking advancements, creating new opportunities for African linguistics. As these fields evolve, the synergy between Linguistics and NLP becomes increasingly vital. Linguistics offers the deep theoretical understanding of language structure, meaning, and social use that NLP systems need to perform effectively in African contexts. NLP, in turn, provides powerful tools to model, analyse, and scale linguistic insights computationally.
Inspired by leading initiatives such as SADiLaR and Masakhane, the Hundzula Workshop seeks to bridge this disciplinary gap, bringing together linguists, computational scientists, human language technologists, and engineers to co-create inclusive, contextually grounded AI for African languages. The workshop aims to nurture the next generation of African research leaders who are fluent in both the scientific and sociocultural dimensions of language technology.
Introducing the 5th Edition of the Hundzula NLP<>Linguistics Retreat
The Hundzula Retreat provides a vibrant space for emerging and established scholars to collaborate, share insights, and shape the future of language technologies. This immersive event will empower participants to explore where innovation meets tradition, fostering new ideas that will redefine the boundaries of NLP and Linguistics.
Don’t miss out on this transformative experience! Join us as we chart the future of African language technologies.
On Behalf of the 2026 Organising Committee.