English Academy of Southern Africa

An association founded in 1961 by Gwen Knowles-Williams of the University of Pretoria in part to defend the role of English against pressure from supporters of Afrikaans. It is dedicated to promoting the effective use of English as a dynamic language in Southern Africa. Membership is open to all persons and organizations identifying with the Academy's mission and sharing its vision.

The Academy is concerned with all forms and functions of English. It interests itself in English in education, promotes research and debate, organizes lectures, makes representations about language matters, rewards excellence and fosters the creative, critical and scholarly talents of users (and would-be users) of English in Southern Africa.

It encourages scholarship in issues surrounding English in Africa through regular conferences and by publishing the English Academy Review. In July 2010, it also launched an online magazine, Teaching English Today, for academic discussion related to English and teaching English as a subject in schools.

The Academy administers a number of literary and drama awards. These include the Olive Schreiner Prize for Drama, *

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