Department of Foreign Languages and Linguistics

Welcome to the Department of Foreign Languages and Linguistics

Welcome to the Department of Foreign Languages and Linguistics at the University of Dar es Salaam.

! This is one of the biggest departments in the College of Humanities of the University of Dar es Salaam. The department comprises of many experts working at the cutting-edge of languages and linguists research. We aim to nurture excellence and provide exceptional learning experience that will enable our students to become an independent thinker, ready to pursue their chosen career path.

The department offers a wide variety of programmes including Certificate course in Tanzanian Sign Language and Interpretation, Bachelor of Arts in Language Studies, Master of Arts in Linguistics, and PhD degree in Linguistics. We thrive to achieve the following objectives:

• To design market-oriented programmes and thus contribute to the betterment and enlightenment of society
• To produce quality graduates in linguistics and languages including Tanzanian Sign Language, translation and interpretation, editing and proofreading, and socio-culturally-related areas
• To contribute to knowledge creation through research
• To increase the University’s visibility through individual and institutional links with other higher learning and research institutions around the world

Programmes offered by the Department

About the Department

The Department of Foreign Languages and Linguistics was established in the mid-sixties, offering courses in English, French and Linguistics. Kiswahili was added later and subsequently became an independent department in the early 1970s. In response to the falling standards of English of students joining the University, the Communication Skills Unit was added to the Department in 1978. However, the Communications Skills Unit is now an independent Centre of Communication Studies (CCS). Therefore, the Departments of Foreign Languages and Linguistics currently comprises the English Section, French Section, and the Linguistics Section. Also, the department has special section dedicated to matters related to Tanzanian Sign Language and Interpretation.

Specializations

Within the Department of Foreign Languages and Linguistics, we offer a range of specializations that cater to thediverse interests and career aspirations of our students. These specializations include:

• Second Language Teaching, Assessment, Syllabus Design, and Materials Development
• English Language Profi ciency Testing and Certifi cation
• Translation and Interpretation
• Editing and Proofreading
• Sociolinguistics
• Discourse, Textual, and Stylistic Analysis

Activities

The Department of Foreign Languages and Linguistics actively engages in activities that align with the three corefunctions of the University:

Teaching: We are committed to providing high-quality language education at both the undergraduate and postgraduatelevels. Our experienced faculty members create dynamic learning environments and employ innovative teachingmethods to nurture linguistic profi ciency and cultural awareness.

Research: Research is a vital aspect of our department's activities. We conduct research on various aspects of language studies, including the investigation of different ethnic community languages spoken in Tanzania through ourLanguages of Tanzania Project (LoT). Additionally, we contribute to the fi eld by exploring language teachingmethodologies and second language acquisition. We share our research fi ndings through publications, workshops, andseminars organized by the department.

Consultancy: Our department offers valuable consultancy services to government and non-government clients. Weprovide translation and interpretation services, editorial support, and customized writing skills Programmes tailored to thespecifi c needs of different institutions. By sharing our expertise, we actively contribute to the advancement oflanguage-related practices beyond the academic realm.

Consultancy Services Offered by the Department

The department offers service of English language proficiency Testing. After testing, the applicant is given a certificate which can be used in application for further studies. Various institutions worldwide recognize this certificate.
Other services offered include:

• English language training programmes and workshops
• French language training programmes and workshops
• Rapporteuring services
• Specialized language skills workshops and training
• Interpretation services
• Translation services
• Editing and proofreading services
• Language skills training on demand

English Language Proficiency Certification

For graduates seeking further studies abroad, we offer the English Language Profi ciency Certifi cation. This certifi cation,administered by the Department of Foreign Languages and Linguistics, validates English language profi ciency. It servesas a valuable qualifi cation for individuals planning to pursue academic or professional opportunities abroad. Pleasenote that this certifi cation is specifi c to our department and is not equivalent to standardized tests such as TOEFL,IELTS, or GMAT. Detailed information about this service is provided below.

We invite you to explore the Department of Foreign Languages and Linguistics and discover the endless possibilitiesthat language learning and cultural understanding can offer. Whether you are a student, a visitor, or simply curiousabout languages, we are here to support your journey. Should you have any questions or require further information,please do not hesitate to contact us.