Universität Wien

143005 KU African Languages as First Languages and Lingua Francas (2026S)

a (Socio)linguistic Journey through the World

6.00 ECTS (2.00 SWS), SPL 14 - Orientalistik, Afrikawissenschaften, Südasien-, Tibet- und Buddhismusk
Continuous assessment of course work
Moodle
We 10.06. 15:00-17:00 Inst. f. Afrikawissenschaften, Seminarraum 3 UniCampus Hof 5 2M-O1-12

Registration/Deregistration

Note: The time of your registration within the registration period has no effect on the allocation of places (no first come, first served).

Details

max. 25 participants
Language: English

Lecturers

Classes (iCal) - next class is marked with N

  • Wednesday 04.03. 15:00 - 17:00 Inst. f. Afrikawissenschaften, Seminarraum 3 UniCampus Hof 5 2M-O1-12
  • Wednesday 11.03. 15:00 - 17:00 Inst. f. Afrikawissenschaften, Seminarraum 3 UniCampus Hof 5 2M-O1-12
  • Wednesday 18.03. 15:00 - 17:00 Inst. f. Afrikawissenschaften, Seminarraum 3 UniCampus Hof 5 2M-O1-12
  • Wednesday 25.03. 15:00 - 17:00 Inst. f. Afrikawissenschaften, Seminarraum 3 UniCampus Hof 5 2M-O1-12
  • Wednesday 15.04. 15:00 - 17:00 Inst. f. Afrikawissenschaften, Seminarraum 3 UniCampus Hof 5 2M-O1-12
  • Wednesday 22.04. 15:00 - 17:00 Inst. f. Afrikawissenschaften, Seminarraum 3 UniCampus Hof 5 2M-O1-12
  • Wednesday 29.04. 15:00 - 17:00 Inst. f. Afrikawissenschaften, Seminarraum 3 UniCampus Hof 5 2M-O1-12
  • Wednesday 06.05. 15:00 - 17:00 Inst. f. Afrikawissenschaften, Seminarraum 3 UniCampus Hof 5 2M-O1-12
  • Wednesday 13.05. 15:00 - 17:00 Inst. f. Afrikawissenschaften, Seminarraum 3 UniCampus Hof 5 2M-O1-12
  • Wednesday 20.05. 15:00 - 17:00 Inst. f. Afrikawissenschaften, Seminarraum 3 UniCampus Hof 5 2M-O1-12
  • Wednesday 27.05. 15:00 - 17:00 Inst. f. Afrikawissenschaften, Seminarraum 3 UniCampus Hof 5 2M-O1-12
  • Wednesday 03.06. 15:00 - 17:00 Inst. f. Afrikawissenschaften, Seminarraum 3 UniCampus Hof 5 2M-O1-12
  • Wednesday 17.06. 15:00 - 17:00 Inst. f. Afrikawissenschaften, Seminarraum 3 UniCampus Hof 5 2M-O1-12
  • Wednesday 24.06. 15:00 - 17:00 Inst. f. Afrikawissenschaften, Seminarraum 3 UniCampus Hof 5 2M-O1-12

Information

Aims, contents and method of the course

A lingua franca is a language which is commonly used by people with various first languages as means of communication.
The linguistic diversity of Africa has given rise to numerous lingua francae that facilitate communication across different kinds of boundaries. Swahili is a major, highly institutionalised lingua franca in East and Central Africa, and is an official language of the African Union. Hausa plays a similar role across the West African Sahel, particularly in trade, religion, and the media. Arabic operates as a lingua franca in North Africa and parts of the Sahel, primarily in religious, administrative, and commercial contexts. Other important African lingua francae include Amharic in Ethiopia, Lingala in the Congo Basin, Fulfulde across West and Central Africa, Yoruba in south-western Nigeria and Benin, Bambara in Mali, Wolof in Senegal and The Gambia, and regional lingua francae in Southern Africa, such as Xitsonga, Setswana and isiZulu. Alongside these, European languages, especially English, French, and Portuguese, continue to function as post-colonial lingua francae. Overall, African lingua francae are predominantly second languages, closely linked to trade, religion, urbanisation, and mobility, and are being used increasingly in education, the media, and digital communication.

In this course, we will look at various case studies in Africa, as well as the significance of African lingua francas in a global context.

Independent compilation of a bibliography on a language, discussion of selected examples, presentation of a freely chosen focus topic.

Assessment and permitted materials

- Regular attendance and participation
- Independent compilation of a bibliography
- Oral presentation
- Examination format, which we will decide

Minimum requirements and assessment criteria

Students must fulfil and pass each of the four course requirements (regular attendance and participation, independent compilation of a bibliography, oral presentation, examination format, which we will decide) and achieve a total of at least 60 points in order to pass this course.

1: 100-90 points
2: 89-80 points
3: 79-70 points
4: 69-60 points
5: 59-0 points
The course requirements will be discussed in detail during the first session.

Examination topics

This is an interactive course with continuous assessment (‘course with continuous assessment’).
Students are expected to read all assigned texts, actively participate in class throughout the semester, and submit assignments on time.

Reading list

Will be announced in the course.

Association in the course directory

SAS.GR
SAL.GR

Last modified: Fr 27.02.2026 11:06