Welcome to CPILL
The Centre for the Promotion of Indigenous Language Learning (CPILL) is a South African organisation, currently applying for non-profit status, dedicated to promoting indigenous language learning in South Africa and worldwide.
Our focus is on supporting second and additional language learners of indigenous languages (usually non-heritage), addressing their unique needs, and fostering an inclusive environment for all language learners including those with a heritage link to indigenous languages.
Our Vision
At CPILL, we believe that every individual has the right to learn and connect with indigenous languages. By building a coalition that spans the private and public sectors — including for-profit businesses, non-profits, and research universities — we aim to create conditions that enhance the learning of indigenous African languages.
Our initial focus will be on South African languages:
Sepedi, Sesotho, Setswana, siSwati, Tshivenda, Xitsonga, isiNdebele, isiXhosa, and isiZulu.
Below are several projects that we intend to initiate or collaborate on:
Harmonised Varieties Development
Creating harmonised varieties of the Nguni and Sotho language groups, tailored for pedagogical purposes.
Standardised Proficiency Assessments
Developing standardised proficiency assessments for indigenous languages to ensure learners have measurable goals and benchmarks.
Early Childhood Development Centres
Helping establish centres focused on indigenous language acquisition for non-heritage and heritage toddlers and young children, fostering language skills from a young age.
Publishing Educational Resources
Creating learning toolkits, guides and pedagogical materials designed for both heritage and non-heritage learners, catering to adults and children alike.
Applied Research Initiatives
Conducting research that promotes indigenous language learning and contributes to the general knowledge on this broad and understudied topic.
Pilot Immersion Camp Projects
Partnering with appropriate venues and organisations to run intense immersion camps for indigenous language learning
Expanding Beyond South Africa
While our roots are in South Africa, our vision extends internationally. We aim to establish CPILL chapters in other former colonies and regions where indigenous languages have been marginalised. Cross-pollination of research and practice across each chapter will enable us to achieve our mission of effective promotion of indigenous language learning.
Initial Expansion Focus
- New Zealand (Te Reo Māori)
- Australia (Multiple Languages)
- USA (Multiple Languages)
- Canada (Multiple Languages)
Our Commitment
In a world dominated by hegemonic English, particularly in Anglophone former British colonies, we recognise the challenges faced by indigenous peoples, who may experience language loss and become minorities in their ancestral lands. CPILL seeks to unite heritage and non-heritage learners, harnessing their motivations and experiences to create a robust environment for indigenous language acquisition.
We believe that fostering appropriate, yet pragmatic, promotion of indigenous languages among non-heritage, settler-descendant citizens can catalyse revitalisation efforts. Together, we can build a critical mass of language learners, ensuring the survival and flourishing of indigenous languages for future generations.
Support Us
At CPILL, we invite you to be part of this vital mission. Together, we can create resources and foster social conditions that empower learners of all backgrounds to engage with and celebrate indigenous languages. Join us in our efforts to revitalize and promote these rich linguistic heritages.
For more information about our projects, partnerships, and how you can support us, please get in contact. Let’s work together to promote indigenous language learning in South Africa and beyond!