Conference

ISLS 2011 CONFERENCE IN ARUBA

Proposals accepted beginning:   

To submit a proposal, click here. 

For step-by-step instructions on the proposal process, click here.  To see these instructions, you will need you will need Adobe Reader, a free download available at http://get.adobe.com/reader/otherversions/, if you do not already have it on your computer.

The International Society for Language Studies is pleased to announce that it will hold the biennial conference June 23-25, 2011 at the Renaissance Aruba Resort & Casino in Oranjestad, Aruba.  We join Aruba, an island and autonomous state within the Kingdom of the Netherlands lying just 27 kilometers north of Venezuela, as they celebrate 25 years of independence, or status aparte.

Language in Aruba includes the official languages of Dutch and the creole Papiamento. All Aruban students are also expected to learn English. The diverse culture and rich history of the island, like many islands in the Caribbean, form an appropriate backdrop for the ISLS 2011 conference.

ISLS 2011 CONFERENCE

CALL FOR PROPOSALS

The International Society for Language Studies will hold its 2011 Conference June 23-25, 2011 at the Renaissance Aruba Resort & Casino in Aruba. The theme of the conference will be “Critical Language Studies: Focusing on Identity.” Paper and poster session proposal submission will open on April 1, 2010, and conclude on September 1, 2010. Submissions will not be accepted after the September 1 deadline. Notification of proposal acceptance and rejection will be sent in October, 2010. All presenters who have not registered for the conference by November 1st, 2010, will be removed from the program. Selected conference papers will be published by ISLS in the Readings in Language Studies Series in 2012.

About the Theme

Language is more than the words that are communicated from one to another. Language represents our identity in terms of our relationships with others, how we are connected to others, power between individuals or groups, and so forth. The focus of this conference provides the opportunity for scholars to explore the many possible connections between language and identity. In order to provide a guide and structure to the theme, the following represent possible key words (called strands) to describe your proposed session.

Strands

Discourse and Identity
Language & Identity in the Professions & Workplace
Language Teaching Practices & Pedagogy
Policy
Language & Culture
Other

Explanation of Strands

Discourse and Identity
This key word should be used to describe original research on issues of discourse and identity in language and literacy research. Individual proposals may focus on: the relationship between language practices and identity, identity construction within particular linguistic spaces, bridging identity theory and SLA theory, the influence of contexts on language learners’ identities, and related areas of inquiry.

Language & Identity in the Professions and Workplace
This key word should be used to describe proposals that investigate the intersection of identity & language, as they are related to research, teaching, and professional and workplace practice. Papers may focus on areas such as language use in these contexts, as it relates to identity; language analysis as it relates to identity (theoretical and applied phonology, morphology, syntax, semantics, and discourse analysis); or language processing at it relates to identity (computational linguistics, neurolinguistics, psycholinguistics).

Language Teaching Practices and Pedagogy
This key word should be used to describe proposals that address theory, research, or practice of any aspect of language teaching and learning within the context of identity. Papers may include topics such as assessment, curriculum, instruction, teacher preparation and inservice, teacher development, and other maters related to culturally and linguistically diverse learners.

Policy
This key word should be used to describe proposals that address issues related to language policy within the context of identity. Interdisciplinary studies are encouraged and research utilizing a variety of methodologies is sought. Papers may focus on language policy formation, language planning, language rights, language education policy and other related areas of study in complex, multilingual societies. Empirical studies contributing to theories of language policy and the identification of emergent issues related to identity are welcome.

Language and Culture
This key word should be used to describe proposals that address issues related to conceptualizations of language in the public imaginary. Papers may include topics such as language variety and discrimination, the commodification of culture, and similar sociolinguistic concerns, as they relate to identity.

Other
Not sure which key word best fits for your proposal? Choose this key word and the Conference Chairs will work to place your proposal with relevant papers in a session.

Proposals can be submitted beginning April 1, 2010.

CONFERENCE COMMITTEE

Co-Chairs:  Paul Chamness Miller and Terry A. Osborn
Program co-chairs:  Miguel Mantero and John Watzke
Registration and Exhibits Chair:  Elizabeth Miller
Communications Chair:  Terry A. Osborn
Hospitality Chair:  Jennifer Wooten
Graduate Student Chair: Maria Fernanda Montes Valencia

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How do I get to Aruba? For most attendees, the only option is to fly. Aeropuerto Internacional Reina Beatrix (Airport Code: AUA) is served by the following airlines: Aires, Air Canada, American Airlines, American Eagle, ArkeFly, Aserca Airlines, Avianca, Avior Airlines, Continental Airlines, Delta Airlines, Dutch Antilles Express, Insel Air, JetBlue Airways, KLM - Royal Dutch Airlines, Martinair, North American Airlines, Santa Barbara Airlines, Skyservice Airlines, Surinam Airways, Tiara Air, United Airlines, US Airways and USA 3000 Airlines.

How do I get to the hotel from the airport? Information about transportation to and from the airport, including rental cars, is available at http://www.airportaruba.com/en/to&from/

Will I need a car? The hotel is located near several shops, restaurants, and the beach, so this depends on what you wish to do when you are not at the conference. There will be several options within walking distance, or via a bus, shuttle bus, or taxi.

Will there be alternate hotels available? Since Aruba is a popular destination, there are several hotels in Orangestad. We have selected the Renaissance Aruba Resort & Casino due to its high customer satisfaction rating, facilities, and value to our members. We have negotiated a great deal and hope that members can take advantage of the reduced room rate. If it is still a little out of your budget, you might consider sharing a room with a colleague (see below).

Will there be roommate matching available? ISLS does not conduct roommate matching per se, but you may post messages about roommate sharing in the members' area message board. The message board will be available approximately three months prior to the conference.

How should I dress? The average temperatures in June in Orangestad are 89F/32C (high) and 80F/27C (low). While the norm for most conference events is business casual, pack to take advantage of the resort's amenities (beach, nightlife), too!

Do I need a visa to enter Aruba?
Official information regarding visa requirements for tourists is available at http://www.aruba.com/sigma/Entry_Req-Eng.pdf  (a list of those who need a visa to visit Aruba is on page 2; a list of those exempted from visa requirements is on page 3). To apply for a visa to enter Aruba, please contact the consulate or embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in your country of residence (see the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs at http://www.mfa.nl/en  to locate the consulate or embassy nearest you) well in advance of the conference.

How do I get a letter of invitation to support a visa application?
Contact Elizabeth Miller, Conference Registration and Exhibits Chair, at to inquire about a letter of invitation.

PAST CONFERENCES

2003
St. Thomas, USVI

  Click here to download the program.

2005
Montreal, Canada

  Click here to download the program.

2007
Honolulu, Hawaii, USA

  Click here to download the program.

2009
Orlando, Florida, USA

  Click here to download the program.

 

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The hotel will extend the special rate of $149/night for 3 days before and after the conference as a courtesy to our members.  Check here for instructions on how to take advantage of this pricing.