The Changing Landscape of Professional Discourse II / Fachkommunikation im Wandel
2nd Call for Papers
| Location: | Centre for the Research of Professional Language / Zentrum für Fachsprachenforschung University of Ostrava, Ostrava, Czech Republic |
| Dates: | November 6 - 8, 2019 |
| Deadline for abstracts: | June 30, 2019 |
| Registration deadline: | October 30, 2019 |
| Conference e-mail: | professionaldiscourse@osu.cz, fachsprachenforschung@osu.cz |
| Working languages: | English, German |
Plenary speakers:
- Geneviève Bordet, Paris Diderot University (UP7), France
- Laura-Mihaela Muresan, Bucharest University of Economic Studies, Romania
- Klaus-Dieter Baumann, Leipzig University, Institute for Applied Linguistics and Translatology
- Ludwig M. Eichinger, Former Director of the Institute for the German Language, Mannheim
Description:
The Centre for the Research of Professional Language at the University of Ostrava (Czech Republic) invites colleagues to participate in the conference ‘The Changing Landscape of Professional Discourse II’, which will take place in Ostrava from 6–8 November 2019. Following on from the first conference in the series (2014), the event will provide a forum to discuss current processes of change and development in professional discourse and language for specific purposes.
We welcome contributions exploring the following topics:
Lingua franca use and multilingualism in professional communication
The focus is on practices connected with lingua franca use in professional and expert communication – with reference not only to the dominant role of English as a global lingua franca, but also to other languages serving as an intercultural medium of communication in various contexts. Potential topics may include (but are not limited to) the ways in which discourse is designed specifically for reception by translocal audiences or pragmatic issues related to competence in lingua franca use.
Professional discourse across contexts
Practices in professional discourse are inextricably bound up with the context in which communication takes place; key factors include the intended audience and the purpose of the communication. Elements of professional/expert discourse may also be re-deployed in communicative situations lying outside the professional sphere, undergoing a process of re-contextualization and performing new discursive functions. We welcome contributions exploring how a wide range of contexts determine and shape discourse practices in various fields.
Professional discourse online
The development of digital media has substantially expanded the spectrum of communicative forms. We welcome contributions addressing a range of issues connected with online discourse in professional contexts – both among professionals (within established communities of practice) and also between experts and non-experts. Topics for discussion may include (but are not limited to) the influence of the medium on discourse practices (e.g. practices related to multimodality) and the blurring of boundaries between expert and non-expert discourse.
Translation and interpreting in professional contexts
Translation and interpreting represent a transfer of meaning and information which requires not only linguistic competence, but also field-specific knowledge. Key issues include the extent to which translators should (and can) acquire this field-specific expertise, and by which methods? Other important questions include the role of CAT tools and electronic glossaries, including the shifting boundary between the work of human translators and automated processes: what future perspectives are opening up in the translation profession?
New developments in learner discourse
We welcome contributions exploring the role of English, German and other languages in the education (learning) process. Potential topics for discussion include (but are not limited to) the challenges of intercultural communication and their reflection in learner discourse (Bildungssprache) or the emergence of new discourse practices as a result of ongoing technological developments bringing novel affordances.
Historical perspectives on professional texts and professional communication
Historical professional texts not only document the processes through which professional language is formed and evolves; they also offer a valuable source of insights into professional communication practices in past eras. Contributors are invited to focus on a wide range of topics informed by this historical perspective, including how historical circumstances and actors are reflected in texts and how professional communication practices have shifted over time.
Submission of abstracts:
Please send the abstract of your conference presentation (in English or German) no later than 30 June 2019 to the conference address – professionaldiscourse@osu.cz.
Abstracts should not exceed 300 words. We will notify you of the acceptance of your abstract by 15 July 2019.
If you would like to attend the conference without giving a presentation, please send us your registration form no later than 15 October, 2019.
Conference fee: 1500 CZK / 60 EUR
Conference committee:
- Lenka Vaňková (Department of German Studies, University of Ostrava) Lenka.Vankova@osu.cz
- Renáta Tomášková (Department of English and American Studies, University of Ostrava) Renata.Tomaskova@osu.cz
- Gabriela Zapletalová (Department of English and American Studies, University of Ostrava) Gabriela.Zapletalova@osu.cz
- Christopher Hopkinson (Department of English and American Studies, University of Ostrava) Christopher.Hopkinson@osu.cz
- Milan Pišl (Department of German Studies, University of Ostrava) Milan.Pisl@osu.cz
News
October 15, 2019 - Conference fee deadline
PLENARY SPEAKERS
Geneviève Bordet - Paris Diderot University (UP7), France
Laura-Mihaela Muresan - Bucharest University of Economic Studies, Romania
Ludwig M. Eichinger - University of Mannheim, Germany
Klaus-Dieter Baumann - Leipzig Univerzity, Germany