Analysing Multimodal Discourse: Systemic Functional Linguistics meets Pragmatics

1-3 September 2011

Loughborough University

The conference aims to explore the relationship between methodologies informed by pragmatics and those informed by Systemic Functional Linguistics in the analysis of multimodal discourse.

The conference asks whether, and to what extent, bringing together different methodological and theoretical  approaches can:

enhance understanding of multimodal discourse

address the contextual information that participants in multimodal discourse draw on 

lead to theoretically robust methodological innovation 

create a new field of research for new media communication studies

Papers are invited from researchers working across different linguistic fields and traditions, focusing on any aspect of multimodality.

Main conference themes: Multimodal Discourse Analysis, New Media Communication, Genre, Proxemics

Plenary Speakers: Gunther Kress, Eija Ventola, TBC

Round Table

We will conclude the conference with a round table where participants are invited to join distinguished scholars representing well established paradigms in the analysis of multimodal discourse to discuss whether bringing together different theoretical stances, methodologies and methods is: a) possible, b) beneficial to methodological

innovation, and c) can lead to a better understanding of multimodal discourse and new research trends.

Paper submission

Panel proposals of 500 words, with a clear indication of topic and a preliminary list of contributors are invited by 31st January 2011. Decisions about panels will be made by 21st February. Panel organisers should oversee abstracts from panel members, with an expectation of six papers in a panel (two x 90 minute slots) and an absolute maximum of nine. Individual panel members should submit abstracts, clearly marked with Panel names, to the main conference email address by 15th March 2011 as below.

Individual paper proposals of no more than 350 words (max and including references, if necessary) are invited. The deadline for receipt of abstracts is 15th March 2011. 

Further details of the conference and abstract submission will be published on the conference website soon and details will be circulated. Abstracts should be submitted from 30th December 2010.

For further information contact us at: multimodality@lboro.ac.uk