Linguistics and African Languages is an academic course that explores the scientific study of language, with a specific focus on the diverse languages spoken across the African continent. It examines the structure, history, and functions of language, analyzing phonetics, phonology, morphology, syntax, and semantics. The course also delves into sociolinguistics, pragmatics, and discourse analysis, highlighting how language interacts with society, culture, and identity.

In studying African languages, the course investigates the classification and characteristics of major language families, including Bantu, Afroasiatic, Nilo-Saharan, and Khoisan. It explores historical linguistics, language evolution, and the impact of colonialism on indigenous languages. The course often incorporates fieldwork, language documentation, and computational linguistics to analyze and preserve linguistic diversity.

Students engage with multilingualism, language policy, and the role of African languages in education, media, and governance. They explore how language influences literature, oral traditions, and communication in various communities. The course provides practical linguistic skills useful in translation, language planning, artificial intelligence, and lexicography, making it relevant for careers in academia, publishing, communication, and international relations.