SINOPHONE
Refers to communities and cultures that share their roots in Sinitic languages and orthography. Shih Shu-mei defines the Sinophone world as a network of places where Sinitic-language cultures are produced. Given this non-monolithic definition, Sinophone communities are essentially heterogeneous and decentralized, and thus develop unique cultural identities that are distinct yet share common roots. Such a process includes the production and circulation of cultural, artistic and linguistic artefacts across different Sinophone communities. Of central importance are issues related to identity and the lived experience of marginalized populations across the globe.
CALL FOR PAPERS
Following this research tradition, we call for abstracts that challenge the simplistic equivalence among language, culture, ethnicity, and nationality and explore the diverse and overlapping margins of various identities, especially against the backdrop of migration. In particular, we invite submissions that explore the intersection between these issues and how they are manifested in culture, arts and languages.
Aim and Scope
The forum focuses on the global Sinophone communities. We welcome proposals for individual papers (20-minute papers) and 3-paper panels.
We are especially interested in submissions on Hong Kong and Taiwan, which tend to be underrepresented in the global representation of the Sinophone community. Comparative works and submissions on other locales, e.g. Singapore, Malaysia and North America, are also welcome.
Submissions
We welcome proposals for individual papers (20-minute papers) or 3-paper panels.
Guidelines for individual papers:
Proposals for individual papers (20 minutes) should include the following information:
- Title of the paper
- Abstract (300 words max)
- Bio-note of the speaker(s) (150 words max)
- Keywords (5 max)
- Contact email address of the speaker(s)
- Link to personal or professional webpage (if available)
Guidelines for 3-paper panels:
Proposals for fully constituted panels (of three papers) should include the following information:
- Title of the panel
- Title of each paper in the panel
- Abstract for each paper proposed (300 words max)
- Bio-note for each speaker (150 words max)
- Keywords for each paper proposed (5 max)
- Contact email address for all speakers
- Link to personal or professional webpage (if available)
Workshop on Hong Kong Cultures, Arts and Languages
Following the previous workshop at the University of Sheffield, this workshop calls for papers on these topics:
Culture:
- Production and circulation of Hong Kong culture within and beyond the Sinophone world
- Impact of globalisation and digital technologies on cultural production and consumption
- Significance of popular culture
Arts:
- Visual arts and urban narratives
- Hong Kong cinema and identity
- Cross-Media Art Practices
- Artistic Engagement with Heritage
Language identity in multilingual Hong Kong
- Relationship between language and identity in a multilingual Hong Kong society
- Representation of languages in Hong Kong and their interaction with lived experiences
- Language politics and ideology in daily life
Diasporic Hong Kong Communities
- Cultural and linguistic ties between Hong Kong and diasporic communities worldwide
- Experiences of migration, exile, and return in shaping Hong Kong’s global cultural identity
- Comparative studies of Hong Kong diasporic art and literature
Cultural Preservation and Transformation
- Preservation of traditional cultural practices in the face of globalisation and political changes
- Reinterpreting cultural memory and heritage through contemporary art and literature
- Tension between modernisation and the safeguarding of intangible cultural heritage
Workshop on Contemporary Taiwan: Cultures, Arts and Languages
Arts and Cultures of Taiwan
- Production of Taiwan cultures in any form within and beyond the Sinophone world
- Artistic engagement with heritage
- Cultural production and Taiwanese identity
Language identity in multilingual Taiwan
- Multilingualism and identity in contemporary Taiwan
- Language politics and ideology in daily life
- Interaction between migrants' communities and the local Taiwanese
Preservation and transformation of minority cultures in Taiwan
- Indigenous cultures in the face of globalisation and political changes
- (Re)interpreting cultural memory and heritage through art, film or literature
- Tension between modernisation and the safeguarding of intangible cultural heritage
Conflict, trauma and healing
- Narrating Taiwan's historical trauma through art, film or literature
- (Re)imagining transitional justice through art, film or literature
- Decolonising narratives about Taiwan through art, film or literature
IMPORTANT DATES
- Submission of abstracts closes: 31 Jan 2025
- Notification of acceptance: 17 Feb 2025
- Registration:17 Feb - 15 Apr 2025 (Early bird), 16 Apr 2025 onwards (Regular fee)
All deadlines are 11.59 pm UTC -12h ("anywhere on Earth").
CONTACT
- HKCAL Workshop: hkcal.uk@sheffield.ac.uk
- Taiwan Workshop: y.liu7@leeds.ac.uk