Professor John M. Mugane, long-time professor of African linguistics and director of the African Languages ​​Program at Harvard University, will be speaking at a seminar at Sophia University.

If you are in the area, please come and join us. Those who live far away can also listen to the lecture via Zoom.

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Title:
Reconsidering Ngũgĩ in Contemporary Africa: Urban Vernaculars and the Linguistic Agency in Youth Cultures

Date: Friday, July 18, 2025
Time: 17:15 - 184:5
Venue: Sophia University, Yotsuya Campus, Building 2, Room 6:203 (limited to 25 first participants to register) & via Zoom

Registration is required through the Google Form. Please register by 5pm, July 16.

We are pleased to host a timely academic workshop that rethinks the enduring legacy of Ngũgĩ wa Thiong'o in light of emerging urban vernaculars and youth language practices in Africa. This session explores how linguistic innovations like Sheng reflect shifting identities, socio-economic pressures, and political expressions among Africa's youth--often in ways that complicate Ngũgĩ's original call for a return to indigenous languages.

Prof. John M. Mugane (Harvard University), a leading voice on African languages, will lead the dialogue, joined by Dr. Kithinji Kinyua (African Studies Center - Tokyo University of Foreign Studies), whose work focuses on African youth and political engagement. The session will be moderated by Prof. Wakiko Ohira (Sophia University).

The event welcomes students, scholars, cultural practitioners, and all interested in African languages, decolonial thought, and contemporary youth cultures.

Organised by:
Institute of Asian, African, and Middle Eastern Studies - Sophia University

Supported by:
Japan Society for Afrasian Studies (JSAS)
African Studies Center - Tokyo University of Foreign Studies (ASC-TUFS)