THE INAUGURAL RISSEA INTERNATIONAL SCIENTIFIC CONFERENCE - PART 1

Yesterday, 31st August 2010 marked the deadline for the final call for papers for the Inaugural RISSEA International Scientific Conference with the theme - 'Swahili Research and Development in Eastern Africa' scheduled to be held from 18th - 20th November 2010 in Mombasa. The conference aims to bring together leading researchers, students, teachers and all other Swahili researchers for the three day conference in November 2010.

Lamu Island

Given that, RISSEA is a fully fledged directorate of the NMK charged with carrying out and coordinating basic and applied research on the Swahili Speaking people of the East Africa’s coast and its Diaspora. The conference aims to examine how Swahili research has impacted on development especially in the areas of:-

• The history and development of Swahili peoples including history and development of the people and their culture, Language, linguistics & Literature (oral and written) and Traditional and modern performances
• Swahili material culture including; Architecture & construction technologies, Scientific and technological innovations, Dress and aesthetics 

• Swahili indigenous knowledge and its impact on the environment including; Oceanography, Astronomy and Astrology, Agriculture, Traditional medical and spiritual Practices, Culinary arts  

Swahili Groom - Lamu museum exhibit

This in view of the fact the, The Institute appreciates that apart from inquiry into the Swahili peoples, the language, Kiswahili, has the potential to serve as a medium of economical, political, and social integration in the wider East African region hence the motivation to enhance inquiry and research into its structure, function and applicability. Indeed, the language has a role to play in the realization of Kenya’s Vision 2030 and other planning and policy strategies. The language is widely used for a variety of purposes including awareness creation and intervention in strategies at the grassroots hence it’s highly appreciated unifying role. As a result therefore, RISSEA Swahili research should be appreciated for its role in contribution to the development of the nation and region economically, culturally and ethically; and the enhancement of uncontested African identity.