SU Language Centre colleagues, Chantal Ellis and Dr Alta van Rensburg, attended the International Conference of the African Association for Lexicography (AFRILEX) at the University of Venda in Thohoyandou from 1 to 4 July 2026. Hosted by the Tshivenda National Lexicography Unit, this landmark conference celebrated 30 years of AFRILEX conferences under the theme ‘30 Years of African Lexicography: Perspectives and Engagement’.
The conference brought together lexicographers, terminology practitioners, software developers and publishers from South Africa and abroad to reflect on the future of dictionaries and terminology in an era increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence (AI).
Chantal and Alta agree that AFRILEX 2026 reaffirmed the important role of lexicography and terminology development in supporting multilingualism, teaching, learning and knowledge access.
Keynote presentations by Prof Gilles-Maurice de Schryver (Ghent University, Belgium) and Prof Langa Khumalo (SADiLaR, North-West University) focused on the evolution of African lexicography, the growing role of AI in language resource development, and the importance of user-centred digital dictionaries for multilingual education.
Over the three-day conference, delegates attended presentations on digital lexicography, terminology development, corpus linguistics, user studies and online dictionaries. The programme demonstrated how lexicography continues to evolve alongside technological advances while remaining focused on users’ needs.
Two sessions stood out:
- The ‘Veterans’ Perspectives’ panel discussion, chaired by Prof Dion Nkomo, current AFRILEX president, brought together founding members and past AFRILEX presidents, including Prof Rufus Gouws (Stellenbosch University), Prof Elsabé Taljard (University of Pretoria) and Prof Gilles-Maurice de Schryver (Ghent University). Reflecting on the association’s journey over the past three decades, these pioneers shared their experiences, challenges and achievements while outlining the evolution of African lexicography. Their reflections also highlighted the increasingly important role of terminology development within the broader lexicographic landscape and its contribution to multilingual communication and education.
- The ‘AI gun metaphor’, as used by Prof Khumalo, illustrated that AI’s value, like any powerful tool, depends on how it is used. While AI offers opportunities to accelerate terminology development, improve dictionary compilation and expand multilingual language resources, it also raises important questions about accuracy, bias, ethics and the need for continued human expertise.
While AI offers opportunities to accelerate terminology development, improve dictionary compilation and expand multilingual language resources, it also raises important questions about accuracy, bias, ethics and the need for continued human expertise.”
On the final day of the conference, delegates got to experience the rich cultural and natural heritage of the Vhembe District. The excursion began with a visit to the scenic Phiphidi Waterfalls, a site of profound cultural and spiritual significance to the Vhavenda people. The river, pool and surrounding indigenous forest are believed to be inhabited by ancestral spirits, and the area is traditionally used for rituals and prayers for rain, good health and peace within the community. Next was a visit to Nandoni Dam, where delegates enjoyed a guided boat cruise through the tranquil surroundings, providing an opportunity to appreciate the area’s natural beauty.
Many of the conference discussions resonated strongly with the Language Centre’s ongoing work in multilingual terminology development and language support. The insights gained will help inform and shape future initiatives in multilingual academic terminology development at Stellenbosch University.
The conference also provided excellent opportunities to strengthen existing collaborations and establish new professional networks with colleagues from universities and language institutions across South Africa. Stellenbosch University was represented by five delegates: Chantal Ellis (Language Centre), Prof Dion Nkomo (Department of African Languages and current AFRILEX President), Dr Alta van Rensburg (Language Centre), Dr André du Plessis (Editor-in-chief of Lexikos and Co-editor of the Woordeboek van die Afrikaanse Taal (WAT)), and Prof Rufus Gouws (Professor Emeritus, Department of Afrikaans and Dutch).
Did you know? The name Thohoyandou means “head of the elephant” in Tshivenda. The name is derived from the words thoho (“head”) and ndou (“elephant”), symbolising strength, leadership and wisdom in the local cultural tradition.
— by Chantal Ellis and Alta van Rensburg
This post is also available in: English
