1st International Conference Of the Cameroon Association of Linguistics (CAL)

Date: 10-Sep-2025 - 12-Dec-2024
Location: Douala, Cameroon
Contact: Manifi Maxime
Contact Email: [email protected]

Linguistic Field(s): Cognitive Science; Computational Linguistics; Discipline of Linguistics; Discourse Analysis; General Linguistics

Meeting Description:

Africa, the cradle of a multitude of cultures and languages, stands out for the richness and diversity of
its linguistic heritage. With over 2,000 spoken languages (Eberhard et al., 2022), the continent is a
veritable linguistic kaleidoscope, where each language carries with it the history, traditions and world
views of a particular human group. However, this linguistic mosaic faces complex challenges that
jeopardize the survival and enhancement of many languages. Despite the considerable efforts made
over the last few decades to document and describe African languages, the task remains a major
challenge. Documentation projects have created valuable resources such as dictionaries, grammars and
corpora, but these works still cover a limited fraction of the continent's linguistic diversity. Many
African languages remain under-documented (Heine and Nurse, 2000), sometimes with significant gaps
in their phonological, morphological and syntactic description. What's more, the development of writing
systems remains a major challenge for African integration (Mba, 2022).
The first international colloquium of the Cameroon Association of Linguistics (CAL), organized in
partnership with the Department of African Linguistics, Literature and Civilizations of the University
of Douala, will explore the current challenges of African linguistic diversity, while highlighting
innovative practices and theoretical advances aimed at its protection and promotion. Paper proposals
will be aligned with the following thematic axes, which are not intended to be restrictive:

IMPORTANT DATES
• Publication of the call: December 22nd, 2024
• Deadline for submission of abstracts: March 30th, 2025
• Notification of acceptance to authors: April 30th, 2025
• Date of the conference: September 10th to 12th, 2025

REGISTRATION FEES
✓ Lecturers: 40. 000 FCFA (61 euros)
✓ Students: 15,000 FCFA (23 euros)
✓ CAL members
• Lecturers: 20.000 (30 euros)
• Students: 10,000 FCFA (16 euros)
Registration fees will cover colloquium materials, catering (coffee breaks and lunches) and certificates
of participation.
Participants are responsible for their own travel and accommodation costs. However, the organizing
committee will facilitate accommodation arrangements with its hotel partners for those who so wish.

EXCURSION
In addition to the colloquium activities, an excursion to Limbe, Douala's neighbouring city, is planned
for September 13th, 2025, for participants wishing to deepen their local experience (by visiting the
zoo, botanical garden and beach of this city) at 8000frs for transportation and lunch).
We remain at your disposal for any further information you may require. Please contact the
organising committee at [email protected] and [email protected]

Organizing committee
Prof. Martha Njui MBU (University of Maroua)
Prof. Yvette Balana (University of Douala)
Prof. Gratien Atindogbe (University of Buea)
Prof. Michael Apuge Etuge (University of Buea)
Prof. Maxime Yves Julien Manifi Abouh (University of Yaoundé 1)
Prof. Florence Tabe Oben (University of Yaoundé 1)
Prof. Esther Phubon Chie (University of Bamenda)
Prof. Magdaline Bakume Nkongho (University of Maroua)
Prof. Adam Mahamat (University of Maroua)
Prof. Neba Ayu’nwi (University of Buea)
Prof. Abraham Wega Simeu (University of Bamenda)
Dr Madeleine Ngo ndjeyiha (University of Yaoundé 1)
Dr Ibirahim Njoya (University of Yaoundé 1)5
Dr Théodore Bebey (University of Maroua)
Dr Hugues Carlos Ngueche Fotso (University of Bamenda)
Dr Gabriel Djomeni (University of Dschang)
Dr Constantine Kouankem (University of Bertoua)
Dr Edmond Ossoko (University of Yaoundé 1)
Dr Ninon Wokwenmenda Nkouo (University of Douala)
Dr Francine Mogouo (University of Buea)
Dr Élisabeth Abang (University of Douala)
Dr Vivian Nkongmenec (University of Douala)
Dr Rodolphe Maah (University of Douala)
Dr Louis Marcel Ambata (University of Douala)
Dr Jean Arnauld Libong (University of Douala)
Dr Madeleine Sike Moukoudi (University of Douala)
M. Fabien Liboth (Cameroon Association for Bible Translation and Literacy. (CABTAL)