Master of Arts in African Languages and Linguistics

The Master of Arts in African Languages and Linguistics is a postgraduate academic degree that equips you with advanced knowledge and research skills in the structure, use, history, and application of African languages and linguistic theory. It combines deep linguistic analysis with practical and theoretical perspectives on language studies.

This programme is ideal if you’re interested in language research, teaching, translation, interpretation, lexicography, language policy, or advanced study in linguistics and African languages.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

To be eligible for admission into the M.A. in African Languages and Linguistics:

You must hold a Bachelor’s degree (e.g., B.A. in Humanities, B.Ed. Secondary with a humanities focus) from the University of Eswatini or an equivalent recognised degree.

The degree should include relevant coursework in languages or linguistics.

PROGRAMME STRUCTURE & COURSES

The M.A. in African Languages and Linguistics curriculum is structured mainly around core courses across two semesters (with some optional electives) that build both theoretical insight and practical skills.

 

CORE COURSES (REQUIRED):

SEMESTER I

  • ALL601 – Advanced Topics in Phonology and Morphology — advanced sound and structure analysis
  • ALL603 – Theoretical Issues in Generative Syntax and Semantics — deep study of sentence structure and meaning
  • ALL605 – Issues in Translation Studies — theory and practice of translation
  • LL607 – Advanced Research Methods in Language/Linguistics — research design and methodology

 

SEMESTER II

  • ALL602 – Advanced Lexicography — principles of dictionary making
  • ALL604 – Studies in Interpreting — interpreting theory and practice
  • ALL606 – Theoretical Issues in Language Acquisition — how languages are learned
  • ALL608 – Contemporary Issues in Historical Linguistics — language change over time
  • ALL690 – Seminar — interactive discussion/research presentations

 

ELECTIVE OPTIONS (SUBJECT TO AVAILABILITY):

  • ALL609 – Language Planning and Policy — how language decisions are made at societal levels
  • ALL611 – Corpus Linguistics — data-driven language analysis
  • ALL610 – Sign Language Linguistics — structure and use of sign languages

 

SKILLS YOU WILL DEVELOP

This programme helps you build:

Advanced linguistic analysis skills (phonology, syntax, semantics)

Research and academic writing skills for scholarly study

Practical expertise in translation, interpreting, and lexicography

Language acquisition and policy understanding — important for education and cultural work

Critical engagement with contemporary issues in African languages and linguistics.

 

CAREER PATHS

Graduates with an M.A. in African Languages and Linguistics can pursue careers such as:

  • University/college lecturer or language researcher
  • Translator or interpreter
  • Language planner or policy advisor
  • Lexicographer or corpus linguist
  • Educational specialist or curriculum developer
  • Cultural heritage, media, or communication roles

Many also continue to Ph.D. studies in linguistics or related fields.