[Commlist] CfA: ICA 2026 Pre-Conference "Rethinking Global Discourses of Racial Inequality"

We invite submissions for the in-person pre-conference titled, 
“Rethinking Global Discourses of Racial Inequality,” at ICA 2026, 
jointly organized by the Language & Social Interaction (LSI), 
Intercultural Communication (ICC), and Ethnicity & Race in Communication 
(ERIC) divisions.


This pre-conference responds to the current global moment, marked by 
intersecting discourses of racism, resistance, justice, and empowerment. 
Across societies, renewed attention to racial inequalities has sparked 
calls to reimagine the conceptual and methodological tools we use to 
study how race is constituted, normalized, and contested in 
communication practices.


Our aim is to create an interdisciplinary and supportive space where all 
participants (particularly students and early-career scholars) can share 
their work, receive constructive feedback, and build networks for 
collaboration across divisions and disciplines. By bringing together 
scholars from LSI, ICC, and ERIC, we seek to advance cross-divisional 
dialogue and develop innovative approaches to understanding and 
transforming global discourses of race and inequality.


Topics of Interest

We welcome submissions that address, but are not limited to, the 
following areas:

  *

    Interactional and discursive constructions of race, racism, and
    racial difference

  *

    Cross-cultural and intercultural dimensions of racism, privilege,
    and power

  *

    Global and transnational perspectives on racial inequality and justice

  *

    Communication practices of resistance, solidarity, and empowerment

  *

    Methodological innovations for studying race, discourse, and inequality

  *

    Racialization in digital, mediated, and algorithmic spaces

  *

    Intersectional analyses of race, ethnicity, language, and culture


Submission Guidelines

Abstract length: 300–500 words (excluding references)

Format: Include title, author(s), affiliation(s), and contact information.

Eligibility: We particularly encourage submissions from graduate 
students and early-career scholars.

Submit abstracts to: https://forms.gle/5gBryK9Vp6nC7BHJ7 
<https://forms.gle/5gBryK9Vp6nC7BHJ7>.


Timeline:

Deadline for abstract submission: February 15, 2026

Acceptance notifications: March 15, 2026

Deadline for registration (Registration fee: 85 USD): 15 April 2026 
(includes snacks + lunch)

Preconference: 4 June 2026

For any inquiries, please email: (Natasha.Shrikant /at/ colorado.edu) 
<mailto:(Natasha.Shrikant /at/ colorado.edu)>


Pre-Conference Format

The pre-conference will feature interactive paper sessions, mentored 
feedback, and roundtable discussions to facilitate meaningful engagement 
among participants and mentors. Our goal is to provide a collegial 
environment that encourages intellectual exchange, collaboration, and 
mentorship.


Location: Conference Hotel, Cape Town


Organizing Committee

Natasha Shrikant (Natasha.Shrikant /at/ colorado.edu) 
<mailto:(Natasha.Shrikant /at/ colorado.edu)>(Chair, Language & Social Interaction)

Godfried Asante (gasante /at/ sdsu.edu) <mailto:(gasante /at/ sdsu.edu)>(Chair, 
Intercultural Communication Division)

Yossi David (davidyossi4 /at/ gmail.com) <mailto:(davidyossi4 /at/ gmail.com)>(Chair, 
Ethnicity & Race in Communication)

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