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Call for Papers

"Values Formation, Narratives on Identity, and Cultural
Sensitivity in English Studies and Literature"
2009 International Conference
Department of Applied Foreign Languages, Shu-Te University
Kaohsiung (Taiwan)
4-5 June 2009

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Western globalization is a force that we all need to reckon
with. In this age characterized by globalized networks and
linkages, new values emerge as cultures come into contact.
More so, traditional values are challenged and progressive
ones spurred in light of the greater contact in the way of
life of various cultures, both traditional and modern, as
brought about by globalization.

There is much change and flux taking place which are
globalization’s enduring constants. The other constant which
has fueled its spread and pervasive influence is that of the
English language. English is undeniably the global language.
It is the very constant which has made it possible for
cultures, regardless whether in the West or the East, to
come together in dialogue and interaction. It is this
reality of coming together which has made the
cross-fertilization of cultural identities possible. Has a
truly global identity emerged in the new millennium? How is
global Asia affected in the process? And most importantly,
has the national identities in Asia been transformed by the
impact of globalization?

In Taiwan as it is in other parts of Asia, an English fever
exists. In the beauty and perils of this apparent
circumstance, there are myths and ways of thinking that need
to be understood, practices that need to be challenged, and
new values that should emerge.

The 2009 International Conference on Values Formation,
Narratives on Identity, and Cultural Sensitivity in English
Studies and Literature envisions itself as a venue in
undertaking the challenge to address aforementioned issues.
Given the specific theme:

“Developing a Glocal Identity in English Studies and
Literature: Reconciling Global-preparedness and
Cross-cultural Values Formation alongside the Strengthening
of one’s Asian Identity”

The goal is to shed light on the issues, from national
English language policy planning and the preparation of an
internationally-competitive workforce to the philosophical,
sociolinguistic, psycholinguistic, and social cultural
implications of Western-centric English studies and
literature. Ultimately the concern pervades as to the kind
of identity and values that will enable us to thrive as
global participants who are actively engaged in global
discourses. And yet, a realization and practice also exists
in hinging this identity and its values to one’s rootedness
as an Asian.

Themes

The 2009 international conference is broken down into four
tracks and sub topics are identified:

a) The Language Policy Response to Glocal Issues
- Issues in English language program development
- Issues in national English language policy implementation
- National policies on English studies and the preservation
  of the local languages
- Issues in English program planning in relation to specific
  educational levels
- The national policy and privately-owned English language
  centers
- National policies on the localization or indigenization of
  English studies

b) Philosophical, Sociolinguistic, and Psychological
   Perspectives on English Studies and the Formation of
   Identities
- English studies and the Westernization of local cultures
- Sociolinguistic implications of English localization or
  indigenization
- Discourse analysis of the Westernized identities shown by
  local media
- Asian English studies and the preservation of Asian
  identity
- Asian literature in comparison to Western literature
- Identity formation in Asian literature
- Philosophical, sociolinguistic, and psychological analyses
  of Asian literature
- Perceptions of Asian English among Asians and Westerners
- Myths and beliefs related to English studies
- The place of narratives, life stories, and myths in Asian
  English and its impact on the development of local and
  Asian identity
- Narratives and observations of EFL/ESL students and
  teachers

c) English Studies and Cross-cultural Awareness and
   Sensitivity
- English studies and interacting with other cultures
- Cultural idiosyncrasies that EFL/ESL students and teachers
  should know
- Western-centrism in English studies in Asia
- Integrating cultural awareness and sensitivity with
  English studies
- Creative projects in English studies that stimulate
  cross-cultural awareness
- Programs and activities for Asian EFL/ESL students that
  stimulate cross- cultural awareness
- Asian English and the Asianization of English studies in
  Asia
- Impact of Westernization on cultural awareness and
  sensitivity

d) Values Formation and Spirituality Through English Studies
- English studies and values formation
- English studies as a vehicle for spreading religious faith
- The role of religious missionaries in English studies
- Bilingual practices for the spread of religious faith
- Issues in the indoctrination of religious faith in local
  cultures through English studies
- Issues in translation and interpretation in relation to
  religious texts in the English language

Types of Presentations

1) Traditional Oral Paper Presentation – Maximum of 2,000 to
3,000 words following the APA style format. The oral
presentation is expected to be in the form of an MS Power
Point. 20 minutes for the presentation and 10 minutes for a
session Q&A.

2) Workshops – the facilitator will conduct a 1,5 hour
teaching demonstration on a topic relevant to the theme.

3) Poster Presentation – presenters will be provided with
uniform panel boards. The estimated size of the boards is 3
ft x 6 ft. Requests for additional boards should be
communicated at least a month before the conference. Panel
boards will be setup for viewing the posters.

4) Undergraduate Student Special Projects – are in the form
of 15 to 20 minutes video presentations using either DVD or
WMV format. The projects should touch on the theme and its
relevant tracks. Booths will be setup for viewing the
special projects.

Important Dates

- Deadline for the Submission of Abstracts/Proposals:
  January 20, 2009
- Notification of Acceptance:
  February 5, 2009
- Submission of Full Papers:
  April 30, 2009
- Full papers will be available online
  May 5, 2009
- 2009 International Conference:
  June 4 and 5, 2009

For questions please email:
[email protected]

For proposal and paper submissions email:
[email protected]


Contact:

Dr. Joseph Anthony Narciso Z. Tiangco
Head of the Conference Committee
Department of Applied Foreign Languages
Shu-Te University
Kaohsiung
Taiwan
Email: [email protected]
Web: http://www.studafl.org/2009Conference/mainpage.html

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