Since it was established in the Department of English at the University of the Witwatersrand in 1958, English Studies in Africa has published a number of key interventions in literary studies. The journal has emphasized, as its name attests, the study of world literature in English within African contexts, at the same time as it set about promoting the study of African literature worldwide. Its founding editors clearly wished to establish a conduit between Anglo-American and Southern African literary studies, and this ethos persists, though in a revised form. Despite this commitment to its context, however, English Studies in Africa is unique in its willingness to publish articles on any literary, educational or language topic that the editors adjudge will be of interest to its diverse readership. While articles regarding English-language education and the English language in its various African manifestations are welcomed, contributors should be apprised of the fact that literary studies remain the core concern of the journal.
All articles are double-blind peer reviewed, and the journal is listed on both the Arts & Humanities Citation Index (A&HCI) and is accredited by the South African Department of Higher Education and Training. Guest editors are appointed for special editions of the journal, which alternate with general editions. In addition to the Editors, two Associate Editors and the Editorial Board are responsible for deciding on the themes of special editions and for arbitrating readers’ reports on submissions. The journal has been published by UNISA Press (South Africa) since 2008 and in collaboration with Taylor and Francis since 2009. English Studies in Africa appears biannually.
