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[ecrea] Preserving the Future: Sustainability of Language , Culture and Nature 15th-17th April 2010

Sat Oct 31 20:06:58 GMT 2009



Invitation and Call for Papers

Preserving the Future: Sustainability of Language, Culture and Nature


15th-17th April 2010

The Vigdís Finnbogadóttir Institute of Foreign Languages
University of Iceland, Reykjavík



This is an invitation to participate in the conference Preserving the Future: Sustainability of Language, Culture and Nature and a Call for Papers. The conference is organized by the Vigdís Finnbogadóttir Institute of Foreign Languages at the University of Iceland and will take place in Reykjavík, 15th - 17th April 2010. It will also celebrate the eightieth birthday of Madame Vigdís Finnbogadóttir, former President of Iceland and UNESCO?s Goodwill Ambassador for Languages.

The aim of the conference is to examine and discuss how the relevance and interaction of languages, the natural environment, and intangible cultural heritages can ensure the development and prosperity of future generations. Culture is here intended in its broadest meaning to include history, customs, traditions and folklore, both past and present; language can be perceived as both foreign and native, local, regional and international, but with the constant varying attitudes as to which are taught, which are translated, which are becoming extinct; nature can imply both the beauty, vitality and uniqueness of a specific locality, region, or the natural environment of the globe itself. In all instances we need to explore how a viable interaction between language, culture and/or nature can help create and sustain a sense of identity and continuity in a world increasingly confronted with rapid environmental and social change.


Among keynote speakers are:
   * Martti Ahtisaari, Former President of the Republic of Finland
* Professor Bernard Comrie, Director of the Department of Linguistics, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology in Leipzig * Professor Claire Kramsch, Director of the Berkeley Language Center, University of California, Berkeley

Guidelines for submission of abstracts:

The conference will be comprised of parallel sessions organized by the Vigdís Finnbogadóttir Institute in addition to CFP sessions. We particularly welcome proposals on the following central themes:

1. Language of Place ? Place of Language

- Prestige value of the global and the local ? internationalization of language vs. localization

-       Words and phrases across boundaries (loanwords, idioms etc.)

-       Cultural history through place names

-       The environment as a linguistic entity

-       The role of language in preserving natural heritage

-       Linguistic diversity

2. Cultural transition through literature, translation and discourse

-       Preservation through translation

-       National identity through literature

-        The presentation and interpretation of Nature through literature

-       What evidence of cultural transition can be found in discourse?

3. Developing identities and cultural understanding through multilingualism

-       Can language preserve cultural identity?

-       Language teaching and cultural understanding, cultural horizons

-       The interaction of language and culture

-       How does multilingualism enhance environmental/cultural literacy?


Proposal abstracts (250-500 words) should be sent to the conference organizing committee by 5th January to the following e-mail address: <mailto:(infovigdis /at/ hi.is)>(infovigdis /at/ hi.is). The proposal abstract should be attached as a Word document with double spacing, 3cm (1.25 inch) margins all round, 12pt Times New Roman. Please use the subject header: Preserving the Future_your last name_first name initials. In the e-mail message, please include the following:
   * Title
   * Theme under which the paper should be placed
   * Abstract of presentation
   * Name(s) and affiliation(s) of presenter(s)
   * Contact address: e-mail & phone number
Each conference presentation should be 20 minutes long with a further 10 minutes for discussion. All rooms will be equipped with necessary technical equipment, such as computers and computer projectors. Please inform the organisers if you have any special technical requirements. Conference fee is 250 euros which will include food and light refreshments during the conference. Further information on the conference can be obtained at: <mailto:(infovigdis /at/ hi.is)>(infovigdis /at/ hi.is), or visit the conference website via <http://www.vigdis.hi.is/>www.vigdis.hi.is.


Nataliya Berbyuk Lindström, PhD
Lecturer
Student Counsellor
Master in Communication
Department of Philosophy, Linguistics, and Theory of Science
University of Gothenburg
Box 200
SE 405 30 Göteborg
SWEDEN

Phone: 031-786 5213
Mobile: 0737084481
Fax: 031-786 48 53



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