Academic background and areas of specialisation
Khanyisa Zinto is a Digital Humanities scholar, language researcher, and lecturer specialising in isiXhosa, African languages, language planning, and the digital transformation of indigenous language knowledge. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in isiXhosa and Public Administration, a Bachelor of Arts Honours in isiXhosa, and a Master of Arts in isiXhosa from Nelson Mandela University.
His Master’s research, titled “The Impact of Digitisation on the Transmission of Idiomatic and Proverbial Expressions in isiXhosa Culture,” examined the ways in which digital platforms contribute to the transmission, transformation, and preservation of isiXhosa idiomatic and proverbial knowledge. His research interests have since expanded to the intersection of Digital Humanities, African Languages, language planning, indigenous knowledge systems, curriculum studies, and digital approaches to language preservation and revitalisation.
Khanyisa is currently pursuing a Doctor of Philosophy in African Languages at Stellenbosch University. His doctoral research, titled “Recontextualising isiXhosa Idioms and Proverbs in the School Curriculum: A Language Planning Evaluation of CAPS,” investigates the place and pedagogical relevance of isiXhosa idioms and proverbs within the South African school curriculum, with particular attention to language planning and the revitalisation of indigenous linguistic and cultural knowledge.
As a Digital Humanities scholar, Khanyisa is particularly interested in how digital technologies can support the documentation, transmission, analysis, and revitalisation of African languages and indigenous knowledge systems. His work seeks to bridge traditional linguistic and cultural knowledge with contemporary digital methodologies, contributing to the development of more inclusive and sustainable digital futures for African languages.
Notable DH related research outputs:
To be added
Membership of professional associations
DHASA
SALALS