[Commlist] 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>
<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)>
<mailto:(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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