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Modality in Bantu
November 6-7 2025
Mkwawa University of Education (MUCE), Iringa, Tanzania
We invite contributions to the upcoming workshop on expressions of modality in Bantu with a special focus on the role of variation and change in this domain.
This workshop aims to bring together linguistic scholars from different areas to explore variation and change in the expression of modality in Bantu languages. We welcome submissions from a wide set of research designs and theoretical and methodological perspectives, provided they address modal expressions in Bantu and any associated variation and change. Submissions that address modality and contact-induced variation and change are especially encouraged.
Submissions may include but are not limited to the following topics:
- Synchronically or diachronically oriented investigations (or a combination of both).
- Studies on any formal categories of modal construction and formal processes of change.
- Analyses of specific functional subcategories of modality or investigations examining the origin and development of a single marker.
- Investigations of either an individual language (variety) or comparative studies at any level (from language-internal repertories or lects, to small set of languages, large scale family-based studies, or areally confined studies).
- Studies on Bantu modality that explore contact phenomena at any level of analysis and from any part of the Bantu speaking region.
We also welcome submissions that primarily address evidentiality, mood, aspect, or other closely related concepts, provided they can be shown to interact with modality, e.g., by originating from or becoming increasingly associated with a modal function".
Follow the links to the full call, the call in Swahili, the questionnaire in English and Swahili for eliciting modal expressions, and for all the necessary practical information.
Presentations will be 20 minutes followed by 10 minutes for questions and comments. Each author may participate in a maximum of 2 abstracts.
Due to practical constraints, the workshop will be mainly campus-based. However, we strive towards offering a type of hybrid option, allowing for participation through prerecorded presentations and online listening. Please indicate in your cover letter (see below) if you wish to participate online.
Interested participants should submit an anonymous abstract + cover letter of no more than 300 words (excluding references) either in English or Swahili to BantuMods@gmail.com
The deadline for all abstract submissions is March 31, 2025.
Conference location
Mkwawa University of Education (MUCE), Iringa, Tanzania
Important dates
Deadline for submission of abstracts: March 31, 2025
Notification of acceptance: April 30, 2025
Conference: November 6-7, 2025
Keynote speakers
Confirmed speakers: Thera Crane (University of Helsinki), Deo Kawalya (Makerere University)
Conveners
Rasmus Bernander (rasmus.bernander@sprak.gu.se)
Ponsiano Kanijo (ponsiano.kanijo@muce.ac.tz; kanijo2008@gmail.com)
Maud Devos (maud.devos@africamuseum.be)
Gilles-Maurice de Schryver (GillesMaurice.DeSchryver@ugent.be)
Local Organizers
1. Dr. Salehe Kaoneka (salehe.salehe@muce.ac.tz)
2. Dr. Ponsiano Kanijo (ponsiano.kanijo@muce.ac.tz; kanijo2008@gmail.com)
3. Dr. Gervas Kawonga (gervas.kawonga@muce.ac.tz)
4. Dr. Spemba Spemba (spemba.spemba@muce.ac.tz)
5. Dr. Aneth Kasebele (aneth.kasebele@muce.ac.tz)
6. Mr. Mahenda Jagadi (mahenda.jagadi@muce.ac.tz)
7. Mr. Edward Nsolo (edward.nsolo@muce.ac.tz)
8. Ms. Johari Ikombola (johari.ikombola@muce.ac.tz)
9. Mr. Wincheslaus Auson (wincheslaus.auson@muce.ac.tz)
10. Ms. Anselmina Shinyaka (anselmina.shinyaka@muce.ac.tz)
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