“Recalibrating Afrikanistik” aims to thematically and strategically set the ground for the future of the study of African languages and literatures by bringing in its unique contribution to African Studies and Area Studies: African languages and texts provide unique access to a heterogeneous and heterotopic body of knowledge and conceptualizations which are only accessible in and through the languages. Our vision of RecAf lies in developing a focus on linguistic, literary and media practices as critical reflection on existing modes of knowledge production. The project aims to foster academic exchange and support and promote young scholars from German and African universities, to give them the opportunity to develop their own ideas and to engage in dialogues that can shape the future of the discipline and contribute to African/Area Studies. This provides also an opportunity for PhD-students from the Graduate School Global and Area Studies at Leipzig University to get acquainted with the most up-to-date scholarship in African Studies and to relate their own dissertation projects to this field.

The Big Oxmox advised her not to do so, because there were thousands of bad Commas, wild Question Marks and devious Semikoli, but the Little Blind Text didn’t listen. She packed her seven versalia, put her initial into the belt and made herself on the way. When she reached the first hills of the Italic Mountains, she had a last view back on the skyline of her hometown Bookmarksgrove, the headline of Alphabet Village and the subline of her own road, the Line Lane. Pityful a rethoric question ran over her cheek, then she continued her way. On her way she met a copy.

About the Workshop

Information about funding possibilities is essential in increasing the success in grant applications. This three-day workshop offers comprehensive information about academic (EU, DFG, BMBF, foundations) and applied (UN, UNESCO, development oriented) funding institutions. On the third day, participants have the opportunity to discuss their project and prospect with experienced and successful applicants from the members of Recalibrating Afrikanistik and GSGAS/ Leipzig University.

The workshop is open to young scholars at MA, doctoral and postdoctoral levels interested in acquiring competencies in this field and who have plans themselves to apply for a grant in the near future. We offer the opportunity for two subsequent fully financed workshops for selected participants, taking place in early 2020 and mid-July 2020.

Registration procedure

In order to register please send the following information (in one pdf) to the contact address indicated below:

• a cover letter stating the current status of your project, the intended funding institution and funding goals, as well as further career perspectives
• an outline of not more than 800 words (2 pages) of the project intended for funding
• an academic CV

Ideally your intended proposal is in line with and contributes to the idea of “Recalibrating Afrikanistik”, African Studies or Area Studies.

The registration deadline is 30 September 2019, documents are to be sent by e-mail as a single pdf file to recaf@uni-leipzig.de
For further information and questions, please contact Berenike Eichhorn: recaf@uni-leipzig.de