DH Colloquia

SADiLaR organizes monthly Digital Humanities colloquia. These typically take place on Wednesdays (in the middle of the month) from 10:00 to 11:00 SAST. During these DH colloquia a wide variety of topics are discussed, mostly on content related to Digital Humanities, sometimes focusing more on the techniques or methodologies used, sometimes focusing more on the applications or application areas.

The DH colloquia are part of Escalator’s Explorer track. You can find more information on Escalator here: https://escalator.sadilar.org/, on Escalator’s championship programme here: https://escalator.sadilar.org/champions/overview/, and on the Explorer track within Escalator’s championship programme here: https://escalator.sadilar.org/champions/explorer/. Also check out the other tracks within the Escalator championship programme as there may be tracks directly related to your interests. If you want to be a member of the Digital Humanities community, you may also want to consider joining the DHCSSza Slack. This page will provide more information on how to join (this is also free): https://escalator.sadilar.org/connect/.

If you have suggestions for speakers at the DH colloquium (or if you want to speak yourself), or if you want to provide feedback, please do not hesitate to contact Prof Menno van Zaanen: menno.vanzaanen@nwu.ac.za.

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Title: Geographies of Digital Humanities: The Global Mapping of Centres, Projects, Associations and Academic Programmes

Speaker: Reggemore Marongedze

Abstract: In the context of an increasingly digital world, how do the geographies of Digital Humanities (henceforth, DH) inform and transform the understanding of knowledge production? This paper explores the geographies that characterise DH, utilising a multilayered conceptual construct to explore the spatial dynamics of DH centres, projects, associations and academic programs. As this article engage with these geographies, it is compelled to ask: What do these mappings reveal about the power structures and cultural narratives that shape the discipline? The historical emergence of DH can be traced to the confluence of technological innovation and the evolving digital scape of the humanities. But as the paper maps the global terrain of DH, the paper considers the question: Are these centres merely physical locations or do they serve as critical nodes in a larger network of knowledge exchange? How do their geographic placements reflect the socio-political contexts from which they arise and in what ways do they influence the accessibility of digital scholarship? Examining the locations of DH centres offers insights into the relationship between geography and institutional power. Do these centres facilitate collaboration across cultural boundaries, or do they inadvertently reinforce existing disparities? As the paper explores the myriad DH projects emerging worldwide, it inquires: Are these initiatives designed to democratise access to knowledge, or do they risk perpetuating privilege by prioritising certain voices over others? To what extent do these projects engage with local communities and how are they shaped by the unique cultural landscapes in which they exist? The role of DH associations further complicates the understanding of these geographies. Are these organisations simply networking platforms, or do they wield significant influence in defining the norms and standards that govern the field? How do they traverse the tension between fostering inclusivity and maintaining academic rigour? In reflecting on the intellectual foundations of their missions, the paper asks: Are these associations committed to creating a truly equitable environment for all scholars, or do they replicate the hierarchies they seek to dismantle? In terms of degrees, what pedagogical approaches are being employed and how do they reflect the geographic and cultural contexts of their institutions? Are these programmes equipping students to engage meaningfully with the complexities of digital scholarship, or do they risk promoting a narrow vision of the humanities? As the article grapple with these questions, it considers the implications of geographic diversity on the methodologies and practices within DH. How can the discipline ensure that the voices of underrepresented communities are integrated into the fabric of digital scholarship, rather than being sidelined? This article posits that the geographies of DH are not mere backdrops; they are integral to understanding the discipline’s evolution and potential for fostering inclusive scholarship. Mapping these geographies allows the paper to uncover the layers of meaning embedded within DH, revealing how local contexts shape global initiatives and how these initiatives, in turn, challenge or reinforce existing power dynamics. In imagining the implications of the paper findings, it invites reflection on the responsibilities of scholars and practitioners within DH. How can we leverage our geographic awareness to promote equity and access in our projects and programs? Is it possible to construct a truly global DH that honours local specificity while fostering genuine collaboration across borders? Thus, this inquiry explores the interplay between geography and DH, encouraging a reimagining of the field as a dynamic, interconnected landscape. By integrating dialectical inquiry with empirical mapping, the paper aspires to contribute to a more nuanced understanding of how geographies inform and are informed by the digital turn in the humanities. In doing so, we hope to inspire future research that not only addresses geographic disparities within DH but also envisions a more inclusive and equitable future for scholarship in a digital context. As paper chart the geographies of DH, it catechises a futurological question that challenges Digital Humanists to consider not just where we are, but where we might go, stressing the importance of alternative, plausible, preferable and plural futures. What new possibilities for collaboration, innovation and inclusivity will emerge as the paper engage with the complexities of geography in the digital age? How can Digital Humanists harness the power of their diverse geographies to create a more vibrant and equitable digital scape for the humanities as we move forward? This paper invites Digital Humanists to envision a DH that is not only globally interconnected but also deep-rooted in local realities, fostering a richer, more inclusive scholarly milieu.