Institute for the Study of the Englishes of Africa (ISEA)

Founded in 1964, the Institute for the Study of the Englishes of Africa (ISEA) has a rich legacy rooted in a shared vision by two prominent scholars: Guy Butler, a poet and dramatist dedicated to English literature, and Len Lanham, a linguist and African language expert. Butler and Lanham’s collaboration established ISEA as a pioneering institution with a mission to advance research, scholarship, and educational resources in the study of English and linguistics within Africa. Initially known as the Institute for the Study of English in Africa, ISEA has since expanded its scope to embrace multilingual education, remaining non-racial and inclusive to the broader Makhanda community (formerly known as Grahamstown). From its inception, ISEA’s work has played a crucial role in supporting teacher training, organising scholarly conferences, and facilitating connections between South African and international academic communities. Notably, between 1975 and 1994, ISEA led the Molteno Project, a major literacy initiative under Lanham's guidance. This project later became an independent organisation, the Molteno Institute of Language and Literacy. Additionally, Guy Butler founded the National English Literary Museum (NELM) within ISEA, which has grown into the Amazwi South African Museum of Literature, safeguarding the nation’s literary heritage. Another significant ISEA initiative was the lexicographic research led by Bill Branford, which established the Dictionary Unit for South African English, an enduring resource for specialised and general print dictionaries.