The African Association for Rhetoric (AAR)

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in collaboration with the

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Department of Communicaiton Studies,

University of South Africa (UNISA)  

 

presents

the 11th Biennial Conference on the Theme 

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"Rhetoric and the Problematics of Citizenship in Africa in the 21st Century"

 

Venue: Pretoria, South Africa

Date: July 1-3, 2026

Conference Overview:

As Africa continues to experience remarkable political, economic, and social transformations, citizenship, belonging, and political identity have emerged as critical subjects of debate and inquiry. The 21st century, with its shifting geopolitical landscapes, evolving national and international governance frameworks, emergent regional nationalist movements, and rapid technological advancements, has brought new challenges and opportunities in how citizenship is understood and practised across the continent.

Rhetoric plays a central role in shaping these discourses around citizenship in Africa. It influences how citizens interact with their governments, how identities are constructed, and how political ideologies are debated and implemented. Given African political systems' diverse and often contentious nature, the rhetorical strategies used in civic discourse can empower or marginalise individuals and groups, shaping the trajectory of the continent’s future.

The African Association for Rhetoric (AAR) invites scholars, policymakers, and practitioners to submit papers for the upcoming biennial conference in July 2026, titled Rhetoric and the Problematics of Citizenship in Africa in the 21st Century. This conference will address the complex intersections of rhetoric, citizenship, and identity in Africa in the 21st century, exploring how rhetoric shapes national, regional, and global discourse on citizenship across the African continent. We are particularly interested in papers that examine how the language of citizenship has evolved in response to contemporary challenges in governance, migration, nationalism, inclusion, and exclusion.

We invite papers that deal with, included, but not limited to the following themes:

• The historical and post-colonial context of citizenship in Africa.

• The rhetoric of nationalism and ethnicity in shaping African citizenship.

• Citizenship, migration, and diaspora: Rhetorical constructions of belonging and exclusion.

• Political Activism & Civic Engagement: How rhetoric shapes citizenship in activism and protest movements.

• Democracy and Legal Frameworks: The language of law, governance, and rights

• Social media and Digital Citizenship: The impact of new media on identity and political discourse.

• Corporate Citizenship in Africa: Rhetoric, responsibility, and corporate social engagement.

Submission Guidelines:

• Abstract Submission: Submit an abstract of 300-500 words outlining the key focus of your paper.

• Full Paper Submission: Upon abstract acceptance, full papers will be due by [Insert Date].

• Abstract Deadline: 15 December, 2025.

• Notification of Acceptance: 15 January, 2026.

• Conference Dates: July 1-3, 2026.

• Location: Pretoria.

• Email for Submissions: aar.southafrica@gmail.com; khankb@unisa.ac.za

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Abstract Length: 300 words

Full Papers: Upon abstract acceptance, full papers should be between 5,000–7,000 words and adhere to the provided formatting guidelines.

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Conference Fees:

Faculty and Working Professionals: R5000

Graduate Students: R3000

Conference Grants: Upon availability of funds, conference grants (registration and accommodation) will be announced for graduate students from developing countries.

  

We encourage contributions from scholars in political science, rhetoric, law, African studies, gender studies, and sociology. The goal is to promote critical discussions about the role of rhetoric in the construction of citizenship in the African context.

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Pre-Conference Workshop Overview:

Venue: UNISA, Pretoria, South Africa

Date: June 29-20, 2026

Theme:

"Scholarly Writing, Publishing, and Emerging Trends in Research Methodologies in Rhetorical Communication"

 

In preparation for the African Association for Rhetoric's 2026 conference, we offer a two-day pre-conference workshop for graduate students and early-career academics. The workshop will enhance participants' academic writing and publishing skills while introducing new and emerging research methodologies in rhetorical communication.

 

This two-day interactive workshop is designed for graduate students and early-career researchers seeking to strengthen their academic writing, publishing skills, and methodological approaches in rhetorical communication studies. It will allow early-career researchers to engage in interactive learning and foster connections with peers and senior academics. Established scholars with expertise in rhetorical theory, communication research methodologies, and academic publishing will lead the sessions.

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The workshop provides:

1. Expert-led sessions on research design, academic writing, and publishing.

2. Practical guidance on responding to peer review and selecting journals.

3. Networking opportunities with leading scholars in rhetorical studies.

4. Hands-on activities in research proposal writing, qualitative methods, and digital rhetoric.

 

The workshop will combine theoretical discussions, practical exercises, and guided writing activities to empower participants to navigate the complexities of academic writing, publishing, and the latest trends in rhetorical communication research. Topics will range from crafting a compelling research proposal to understanding the nuances of qualitative and quantitative research methods in the context of rhetorical studies. By the end of the workshop, participants will have gained the tools to advance their academic writing and publishing careers. They will be better equipped to engage in innovative research methodologies, particularly those relevant to the dynamic field of rhetorical communication.

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Workshop Objectives:

1. To equip participants with essential academic writing and publishing skills, including article submission, peer review processes, and creating persuasive academic papers.

2. To introduce emerging research methodologies in rhetorical communication, emphasizing interdisciplinary approaches, digital rhetoric, and ethnographic methods.

3. To facilitate networking opportunities for early-career scholars, fostering collaborative relationships and mentorship in academic publishing.