Department of Linguistics and Language Practice - UFS

We had such a wonderful time chatting with the matrics about all things Language Practice and Linguistics at last week’s Open Day!

A heartfelt thank you to all the parents, guardians, and educators who made it possible for the learners to attend.

To the matrics: best of luck with your June exams — we’re cheering you on every step of the way. 🎓📚

We look forward to welcoming some of you to our department next year!

Very proud of our honours student, Nhlanhla!

Today on we recognise Nhlanhla Simelane

A passionate Deaf Accessibility Advocate, SASL Interpreter, researcher, and student leader committed to linguistic inclusion, Deaf empowerment, and transforming communities through leadership and language. From championing accessibility at UFS to leading award-winning student initiatives, Nhlanhla continues to prove that leadership is about impact, service, and creating spaces where everyone is seen and heard.

A true example of purpose-driven leadership beyond the classroom. 👏🔥

🎓✨
Last week, our Linguistics and Language Practice students proudly graduated with their Bachelor’s, Honours, and Master’s degrees! While we celebrated with them in person, we’d also like to extend our heartfelt congratulations here.

We are incredibly proud of each and every one of our graduates, and we wish them success and fulfillment as they embark on their individual journeys.

You are invited!
Online link:
https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/35594970157527?p=TqG9A1ZUWrgjISvEZn

Join us on 13 March 2026 at 13:00 (CAT) for the online launch of "Interpreting, Communication and Animal Welfare: An Ecosemiotic Analysis of Interspecies Translation".

https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/35594970157527?p=TqG9A1ZUWrgjISvEZn

Professor Marais will deliver a guest lecture at the Centre for Cognitive Research in Language and Communication at the University of Wrocław this Thursday at 18:00 CET (19:00 SAST).

The lecture is on the Biosemiotics of Art, and we would like to invite colleagues and interested students to attend.

Please follow the link to attend: https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/teams.microsoft.com/l/meetup-join/19*3ameeting_MjlhOTMxYzgtNjQyYy00NWMzLTk2YTYtMThiZjQyNDQ3MGJj*40thread.v2/0?context=*7b*22Tid*22*3a*222b71bef9-3b13-4432-b5f4-1f5ac2278d0c*22*2c*22Oid*22*3a*226315bbf9-a74f-41e9-9b99-216703680e8b*22*7d__;JSUlJSUlJSUlJSUlJSUl!!LRJdiIM!DBmnAE6M3NYqVVSoQgptHhZjfvCP1DTUcynxbPVR2hKNslM5mBo_2kd6Z2047xskLrCPaiEtwqauPgrMrfRDSzh-NUiP$

We are delighted to announce that, as part of our research week, Prof. Myriam Vermeerbergen (KU Leuven) will deliver a lecture on Translating Theatre into Sign Language.

🗓️ Date: 10 February 2026
⏰ Time: 11:30
📍 Venue: Winkie Direko Building, Room 41

We warmly invite all who are interested to attend this engaging and insightful talk.

Please also feel free to attend online through this link: https://eu.bbcollab.com/guest/1968f8ae7ee947c5a6c5842c1bd791cf

Applications are now open! Senior students in Language Practice or other language-related degrees are invited to apply for for the DSAC bursary opportunity. Don’t miss out—deadline is 23 February.

𝗜𝘁’𝘀 𝗿𝗲𝗴𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗲 at the UFS.

Online registration is now open for eligible senior (second-year and beyond) and postgraduate University of the Free State students.
Register here by 6 February 2026: https://www.ufs.ac.za/register

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Please also follow the Faculty of the Humanities, UFS and University of the Free State on Facebook.

Important registration 2026 information.