Units within the Department

The Department of Languages and Literature is the core of excellence in linguistic, language and literary studies, specializing in General Linguistics, Kiswahili Linguistics and Literature, English Literature, French, and Communication Skills. As the largest department within the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, we take pride in our diverse academic team. The department currently has 62 staff members: 3 male Associate Professors, 3 male Senior Lecturers, 1 female Senior Lecturer, 14 male Lecturers, 10 female Lecturers, 14 male Assistant Lecturers, 12 female Assistant . Lecturers, and 8 male Tutorial Assistants, alongside 3 female Tutorial Assistants. We are dedicated to providing high-quality education and skills to both undergraduate and postgraduate students while actively engaging with the community through short courses, research, and consultancy services. Our short courses include French for Beginners, Intermediate, and Advanced Levels, Methods of Teaching Kiswahili to Foreigners, and an Intensive English Course.

Units within the Department

1. Kiswahili Unit: The Kiswahili Unit offers courses in Kiswahili Linguistics, Grammar, and Literature to undergraduate and postgraduate students. In addition to teaching, the unit is actively involved in language research and various linguistics projects in Kiswahili and literature. Short courses are also available, such as Kiswahili for Beginners (targeting foreigners) and Methods of Teaching Kiswahili as a Foreign Language. The unit provides additional services, including translation, editing, and proofreading..
2. Linguistics Unit: This unit serves undergraduate and postgraduate student teachers, offering courses in General Linguistics, English Grammar, Phonology, and Communication Skills. The Communication Skills course is designed to enhance students’ abilities in writing, listening, speaking, and reading. In addition to teaching, the unit is actively involved in language research and various linguistics projects across a range of languages, including, but not limited to Bantu languages, Nilotic languages, Cushitic languages, and anthropological linguistics research. The unit also provides an Intensive English Short Course and consultancy services such as training, translation, editing, and proofreading. Additionally, it administers the English Language Proficiency Test (ELPT) for individuals seeking admission to international universities.
3. French Unit: The French Unit provides undergraduate student teachers with comprehensive French courses, covering communicative competencies in reading, writing, listening, and speaking, as well as translation practices and French literature. Short courses in French are available for beginners, intermediate, and advanced learners. The unit also offers translation and interpretation services. Faculty members are often engaged by national and international organizations for their expertise in French language services.
4. Literature Unit: The Literature Unit delivers a rich curriculum to undergraduate and postgraduate students, focusing on the main literary genres: novels, poetry, and drama, with an emphasis on African writers and their works. Students gain insights into literary theories and explore the application of literature in societal contexts, enabling critical analysis of texts. The unit also introduces students to the publishing world, equipping them with practical knowledge beneficial for careers in teaching, authorship, and publishing.
5. Chinese Unit: Promoting Chinese language and culture through specialized programs and events.

Our Offerings

Beyond regular degree programmes, the Department offers a variety of short language courses tailored to different proficiency levels. These courses are designed to be flexible, accommodating busy schedules with evening classes and sessions during long student holidays.