New Five-Year UNESCO Chair Project to Explore Linguistic and Biodiversity Links at University of Ghana

A five-year UNESCO International Council for Philosophy and Human Sciences (CIPSH) Chair on Linguistics and Biodiversity has been launched at the University of Ghana’s School of Languages.  

The project, running from 2024 to 2029, focuses on unraveling the relationship between linguistic diversity and biodiversity, with an emphasis on conserving African languages such as Dagaare, Twi, Hausa and Swahili. 

The initiative is led by Prof. Adams Bodomo, a renowned scholar and alumnus of the University of Ghana. Prof. Bodomo, who currently serves as the Chair of African Linguistics and Literatures at the University of Vienna, Austria, is widely celebrated for his academic contributions. With over 20 books and 100 peer-reviewed articles, his research spans African linguistics, diaspora studies, health humanities and the revitalisation of African languages. 

The UNESCO-CIPSH Chair is a collaboration between UNESCO, the International Council for Philosophy and Human Sciences (CIPSH), the University of Ghana and Prof. Bodomo.  

The project underscores the University’s commitment to advancing impactful research, aligning with Strategic Priority 2 of its 2024–2029 Strategic Plan, which directs efforts towards enhancing research with global relevance and societal impact. 

The project aims to deepen understanding of the connection between language and biodiversity by exploring how linguistic diversity contributes to the preservation of ecosystems and environmental conservation. Researchers will engage in fieldwork, collaborate with local experts and provide training opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students, fostering the next generation of scholars at the intersection of language and biodiversity. 

In addition to its initial focus on African languages such as Dagaare, Twi, Hausa and Swahili, the project has the potential to expand its scope to include other languages in the future. This flexibility allows for broadening research to provide insights into cultural and environmental interconnectedness across diverse linguistic contexts. 

An inaugural colloquium, themed "Linguistic and Cultural Notions for Promoting Biodiversity in Africa," is scheduled for January 30, 2025. This event will bring together scholars, policymakers and practitioners to discuss the critical role of linguistic diversity in fostering biodiversity conservation and sustainable development. 

The University’s hosting of this UNESCO-CIPSH Chair strengthens its position as a leading hub for innovative research in Africa. This initiative will also addresses pressing global issues and reaffirms the University's role in contributing to solutions that benefit both local and international communities.