Centre for Language Studies (CLS)

The Centre for Language Studies was born in 1996 as a Government of Malawi initiative to take over and expand the functions of the defunct Chichewa Board. Its mandate was broadened to cover not only Chichewa but all languages spoken in Malawi. The Centre was established under the Faculty of Humanities, Chancellor College, University of Malawi

Centre's Mandate

The mandate of the Centre is to promote and develop all Malawian languages so that they can contribute effectively to the socioeconomic development of the country. Under this mandate the Centre does the following:

Establish orthographic principles of Malawian languages; Develop descriptive grammars of Malawian languages; Compile lexicons of Malawian languages; Promote and preserve Malawian languages; Teach various languages of socioeconomic and political relevance to Malawi; Provide translation, interpretation and editing services; and Promote research in language studies.

Services Offered

Translation of materials from one language to another

Interpretation

Editing of materials in various languages

(Intensive) Language courses in both Malawian and non-Malawian Languages

Consultancy services in Languages and Language related issues.

Research in Language and Language related issues

Collaboration with individuals and organizations in writing of textbooks and readers in Malawian and non-Malawian Languages

Offers affiliate membership to scholars and researchers.

Publishes Malilime: Malawian Journal of Linguistics.

The Centre is headed by a Director assisted by a Deputy Director and other Professional Staff

--Alick 11:46, 17 March 2008 (CET)“Safeguarding the linguistic heritage of humanity and giving support to expression, creation and dissemination in the greatest possible number of languages”

“Encouraging linguistic diversity – while respecting the mother tongue – at all levels of education, wherever possible, and fostering the learning of several languages from the youngest age”

Main lines of action for the implementation of the UNESCO declaration on cultural diversity. Paris, 31 General conference, 2001

“Every person shall have the right to use the language and to participate in the cultural life of his or her choice”. Section 26, The Constitution of the Republic of Malawi.