The 2nd international colloquium on discourse analysis was launched in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, on September 24, 2026. The event is organized by the Observatoire de production et d’analyse du discours (OPAD) in collaboration with several institutions, including the Laboratoire Langues, Discours et Pratiques Artistiques (LADIPA) and the Réseau Africain d’Analyse du Discours (R2AD). The colloquium aims to rethink discourse analysis from African theories and epistemologies.
The colloquium's theme, "Repenser l'analyse du discours à partir des théories et épistémologies africaines", seeks to address the challenges of importing theories from abroad and to promote endogenous knowledge. According to Dr. Boukary Nebié, president of the organizing committee, the goal is to question African practices, theories, and epistemologies. The event brings together participants from several countries, including Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, and Côte d'Ivoire.
The minister of Higher Education, Research, and Innovation, Pr Adjima Thiombiano, was represented at the event by his technical advisor, Alain Ouédraogo. Ouédraogo emphasized the importance of producing local knowledge to understand and address the needs of African societies. He noted that this approach aligns with current concerns in the Sahel region regarding the valorization of endogenous knowledge and the reinforcement of scientific and intellectual sovereignty.
The colloquium features 93 selected communications, which will be presented over 48 hours. The event is structured around six axes, including "Fondements épistémologiques d’une analyse du discours africaine" and "Langues africaines et conceptualisation scientifique des pratiques discursives". According to Pr Sidiki Traoré, president of the scientific committee, these axes align with the general theme of rethinking discourse analysis from African perspectives.
Pr Sidiki Traoré emphasized the need for Africans to reclaim the production of knowledge and discourse about the continent. He noted that, for a long time, Western models and references have dominated the production of knowledge about Africa, often with a hegemonic and imperialist agenda. The colloquium aims to promote a more endogenous approach to knowledge production.
The event has attracted participants from nine countries, including Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. In addition to oral communications, the colloquium features thematic conferences, scientific cafes, and a discovery visit to Burkinabé tourist heritage. The event is expected to foster discussions and debates on discourse analysis and its applications in African contexts.
The 2nd international colloquium on discourse analysis will run for 48 hours, during which participants will engage in discussions, presentations, and other activities. The event aims to contribute to the development of endogenous knowledge and to promote African perspectives on discourse analysis. KEY_POINT: The colloquium promotes endogenous knowledge and African perspectives on discourse analysis.
Key points
- The event features 93 selected communications and six axes of discussion.
- The colloquium aims to rethink discourse analysis from African theories and epistemologies.
