International Systemic Functional Congress - ISFC38

Negotiating difference: languages, metalanguages, modalities, cultures

The congress theme celebrates the rich and multifaceted nature of semiotic systems as research objects, as well asand the multilayered nature of the research and contributions to linguistics that are motivated by those semiotic systems. The theme also celebrates dialogue, plurality and mutual acquaintance by promoting not only intersections and interfaces involving different perspectives, trends and theoretical perceptions of research objects within systemic functional linguistics, but also associations and connections with theories and methodologies outside systemic functional linguistics.

The theme therefore seeks to be broad and inclusive, inspiring the congress to embrace contributions that fall outside the scope promoted by previous ISFCs. In particular, it aims at building bridges, transcending frontiers and negotiating difference to include reflections, dialogues, partnerships and discussions with researchers working in other theories and methodologies but who share certain fundamental axioms with SFL.

We are delighted to call for contributions to ISFC38 in the form of papers, workshops and colloquia. ISFC38 will be held at the Faculty of Letters, University of Lisbon (http://www.fl.ul.pt), Lisbon, Portugal, 25-29 July 2011.

PAPERS, WORKSHOPS AND COLLOQUIA

Proposals for three forms of contribution – papers, workshops and colloquia – are invited for consideration and should be submitted in abstract form in the period from 1 January to 15 February 2011.

Notification of acceptance will be given by 1 April 2011.

All submissions of papers, workshops and colloquia will be refereed by member of the Programme Committee.

LENGTH OF ABSTRACTS

Abstracts of papers (20-minute presentation, 10-minute question-and-answer period) should be around 200 words in length.

Abstracts of workshops (lasting 3 hours and 30 minutes each) should be around 400 words.

Abstracts of colloquia (lasting 3 hours and 30 minutes each) should include a general abstract of around 400 words written by the convenor(s) of colloquium plus specific abstracts by the individual presenters of around 200 words each.

Abstracts should include a succinct statement of the aim of the contribution, a statement on its relationship to previous and current work within systemic functional linguistics or any other theory in dialogue with it, with key references, a description of the main part of the presentation and a list of references cited in the abstract. Alternatively, abstracts may include the following stages or moves: introducing the purpose, describing the methodology, summarizing results, and presenting conclusions.

OFFICIAL LANGUAGES
The official languages of the congress will be English and Portuguese, with contributions being presented in either language. Abstracts of presentation proposal must be submitted in English, though, with the proponent clearly stating the language that will be used in the presentation.
Before submitting an abstract and deciding on the language to use in their presentation, proponents should be aware that no simultaneous translation will be provided during the congress.

Further information on how to submit abstracts will be given in the second CFP.

THE CONGRESS WILL OPEN FORMALLY THE MORNING OF MONDAY, JULY 25.  EACH DAY WILL INCLUDE TWO PLENARY PAPERS AND A RANGE OF PARALLEL SESSIONS.

Confirmed plenary speakers include:

Caroline Coffin (Open University, Milton Keynes, United Kingdom)

Frances Christie (Sydney University, Sydney, Australia)

James R. Martin (Sydney University, Sydney, Australia)

Jean-Paul Bronckart (University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland)

Lachlan Mackenzie (Institute for Theoretical and Computational Linguistics, Lisbon, Portugal)

Mick O'Donnell (Autonomous University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain)

Orlando Vian, Jr. (Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Brazil)

Susan Hood (University of Technology, Sydney, Australia)

THE CONGRESS WILL BE PRECEDED BY A PRE-ISFC INSTITUTE DURING THE WEEK OF 18-22 JULY 2011. DETAILS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH THE SECOND CFP.

Confirmed lecturers include:

Frances Christie (Sydney University, Sydney, Australia)

James R. Martin (Sydney University, Sydney, Australia)

Mick O'Donnell (Autonomous University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain)

Susan Hood (University of Technology, Sydney, Australia)

For information:  http://www.fl.ul.pt/unidades/institutos/ici/isfc38/