*Prof Haileleul Zeleke Woldemariam is an Associate Professor of Applied Linguistics at the Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST) in the Department of Communication and Languages. He has extensive academic leadership experience, including roles as Vice President for Research and Postgraduate Studies, Dean, Research Director, and Board Member. He holds a PhD in Applied Linguistics with expertise in Pragmatic Stylistics, Forensic Linguistics, Cognitive and Functional Stylistics, ELT (English Language Teaching), and ESP (English for Specific Purposes). He also has master’s degree in Sociology and a diploma in Advanced Research Methodology, and a professional diploma in Teaching Methods. His research interests cover diverse areas such as revitalising endangered languages, indigenous knowledge systems, forensic linguistics in the Namibian legal system, pedagogical stylistics and literature, cognitive linguistics, Namibian literature, medical sociology, and corpus linguistics. Currently He is also the Editor-in-Chief of the Namibian Journal of Linguistics, Literature and Communication Studies (NJLLCS). Prof. Woldemariam has taught various Linguistics and Research Methodology courses and has been recognised as a leading researcher, including receiving awards for his research contributions. He has a rich career history of academic teaching and research positions primarily in Ethiopia and Namibia, with studies and scholarship connections to India, Germany, and other countries. In summary, he is a distinguished applied linguist and academic leader with deep experience in Applied Linguistics especially within the African and Namibian context. 

**Professor Niklaas Fredericks is an Associate Professor of Linguistics and the Head of the Department of Communication and Languages at the Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST). He holds a PhD in Formal Linguistics, and his research focuses on Khoisan linguistics, including Phonology, Morphology, Semantics, Syntax, language attitudes, child language acquisition, language ideology, and indigenous languages. He teaches courses in Theoretical Linguistics, Sociolinguistics, English Syntax, and Phonetics and Phonology. Professor Fredericks is known for his work on the preservation and revitalisation of indigenous languages, particularly Khoekhoegowab, emphasising the importance of native languages in cultural heritage preservation. He has contributed significantly to the development of orthographies for Khoisan languages and has been active in Sociolinguistic research within the Namibian context.

***Dr Wellman Kondowe is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Language, Cultural and Creative Studies at the Mzuzu University in Malawi. He is a Linguist with a strong focus on Forensic Linguistics, legal language, and discourse studies. Dr. Kondowe has published research on issues such as language and access to justice in Africa, highlighting the linguistic challenges faced by vulnerable groups within the legal systems. His book, “Discrimination and Access to Justice in Africa: Language, Vulnerability, and Social Inclusion in Southern and Eastern Africa,” provides practical insights into ensuring African legal systems are linguistically inclusive and non-discriminatory. His research addresses communication challenges faced by various marginalised groups, emphasising the role of language in the delivery of justice and social inclusion. 

****Dr Gatitu E Kiguru is a Senior Lecturer in English and Linguistics at Kenyatta University in Kenya. He holds a PhD in Applied Linguistics and has conducted research focusing on language disadvantage in legal settings and Forensic Linguistics. His work includes critical discourse analysis of language used in courts, courtroom interpreter errors, and mainstreaming mother tongue languages in judiciary reforms. He has also contributed to adult education and development research in Africa. Dr. Kiguru has participated in various academic conferences and published studies related to language, law, communication, and education.