Jonathon Repinecz

Jonathon Repinecz is an Associate Professor at George Mason University’s Department of Modern and Classical Languages, with affiliations in Global Affairs. His research focuses on West and Central African literatures, francophone cultural production, and intersections of literature/anthropology. He holds a Ph.D. from UC Berkeley (2013) and a B.A. from Washington University in St. Louis (2005).

Dr. Repinecz’s work bridges Africanist humanities and social sciences, emphasizing multilingualism and decolonial frameworks. His landmark book Subversive Traditions (2019) redefines West African epic traditions, winning the ACLS Helen Tartar Award. Current projects explore Congolese folklore historiography and survivor testimonies. He teaches courses on African Studies, global francophone cultures, and postcolonial theory.

Grants include a Fulbright Research Fellowship (2018-2019) for studying Congolese folklore at Belgium’s Royal Museum. He collaborates with Global Affairs to expand African Studies programming and organizes events on Senegalese hip-hop and democracy. His translations of Africanist anthropology scholarship further highlight his interdisciplinary reach.