AIDS Day 2024
Learn more about the Language of Infectious Disease Project where the IDM has taken deliberate steps to embrace isiXhosa and Afrikaans as mediums of communication. Find our multi-lingual research posters here.
Advancing Inclusivity: The IDM’s Language of Infectious Disease Project
In alignment with UCT’s commitment to fostering inclusivity through multilingualism, the Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine (IDM) launched the Language of Infectious Disease project. This initiative aims to bridge linguistic divides in scientific communication and is rooted in UCT’s Vision 2030 and its Language Policy. The project represents a bold step toward making scientific research more accessible to South Africa’s multilingual population.
The project was officially launched at the IDM’s Heritage Day celebration in September 2024. The event featured a symposium where speakers delved into a variety of topics, including African interpretive dance, the use of disease imagery in science, and a compelling discussion led by Dr. Sipho Dlamini on Why We Need to Change How We Talk About Infectious Disease. Following the talks, attendees enjoyed lunch and snacks provided by IDM groups, representing the diverse heritages of the institute’s community. The celebration also featured coffee from around the world and traditional African games, offering a rich cultural experience.
HIV posters: A Step Toward Linguistic Equity in Research
Recognising that research dissemination is often dominated by English, the IDM has made a conscious effort to incorporate isiXhosa and Afrikaans as key languages for sharing its HIV/AIDS-related research. This initiative was inspired by South Africa’s 2024 World AIDS Day theme, Equal Rights, Equal Care, which highlights the need for equality for people affected by HIV. The IDM expanded on this theme, advocating for equal access to scientific knowledge as a fundamental right.
This effort underscores the crucial role language plays in making research more inclusive and responsive to the communities it serves. By translating research posters from English into isiXhosa and Afrikaans, the IDM demonstrates its commitment to overcoming language barriers, fostering greater understanding, and empowering diverse communities.
As the Language of Infectious Disease project progresses, the IDM continues to build a multilingual foundation for research dissemination.
A key milestone of this project was the translation of HIV/AIDS research posters, sourced from IDM students and researchers, into isiXhosa and Afrikaans:
Below are three posters, each available in English, Afrikaans, and isiXhosa. Click on the title to view the respective versions.
