Tradition
Transformation
The concepts of tradition and transformation play an essential role in the interpretation of a wide range of aspects related to the fields of language and linguistics, cultural, and literary studies. Can tradition be an impediment to change and transformation? Does transformation occur only as a reaction to established norms and paradigms? These questions raise the issue of causality between the concepts of tradition and transformation which, though contrasting, are closely intermingled. ‘Nothing is more constant than change’ Heraclitus used to say. While Tradition thrives to provide a set of standards, these are continuously challenged by new interpretations that will in turn serve to establish new norms. This dialectic offers itself as a medium to analyze the causes and evolution of different phenomena and practices in the field of cultural studies. In this light, the conference aims at bringing forth new perspectives concerning various historical, political, social, economic, and cultural aspects.
Literary tradition or tradition in literature can be classified as national, formal or periodic. Does national tradition live up to its own cultural needs and aspirations or is it repressed by an ever-demanding market on a wider global scene? In terms of aesthetics, generic tradition is not static. It evolves permanently in accordance with the changing times, contexts, and theoretical findings. Accentuating its complexity in literary craftsmanship, T. S. Eliot contends that “[t]radition is a matter of much wider significance,” since “[i]t cannot be inherited,” it must be earned by “great labour.” This breaks with the conventional understanding of tradition as a practice of handing down from one generation to another. To what extent are canonical formations developing in accordance with new visions, new productions, and new hermeneutics? The present call for papers welcomes proposals investigating the notion of tradition in literature and its formative impact. In the field of linguistics, the boundaries between tradition and transformation are rather fluid and dynamic. While certain paradigms have radically changed, models and representations of earlier traditions are still lingering. Current innovative pedagogical practices and emerging paradigms of linguistic enquiries have not fully transformed traditional educational and language-related models, theories and frameworks. Papers that will contribute to understanding issues of relevance to our conference theme and enriching the debate about tradition and transformation will be most welcome.
This conference aims at discussing possible connections between tradition and innovation in language learning, teaching and assessment. The Department of English at the Higher Institute of Applied Studies in Humanities of Tunis is pleased to announce its international conference on Tradition and Transformation. The aim of the conference is to create a forum for the exchange of ideas across different areas and theoretical frameworks of linguistics, literature, and cultural studies throughout a broad academic community.
Papers may draw on one of the following themes, but not exclusively:
Cultural Studies- Tradition and cultural changes
- International relations and foreign policy
- Historiography: new perspectives
- Identity and religion
- Traditional vs. new media
- Migrations
- Language change
- Transforming teaching and learning
- Standardized, traditional and alternative assessment
- Educational reform
- Pedagogical innovation and teaching English
- ICT and 21st century pedagogies.
- Rethinking literary canons
- Literary tradition and evolution
- World literature and transcultural movements
- Metamorphosis
- Literature in the digital era
- Graphic literary transformations
Important Dates:
Abstract submission deadline: : Sunday 27 November at Midnight
Notification of acceptance: 10 January 2017
The following information should be specified in the abstract:
- (1) Title of the paper
- (2) Name of the author(s)
- (3) Affiliation of the author(s)
- (4) Key words
- (5) E-mail address(es)
- The abstract should not exceed 250 words.
Abstracts should be sent to: iseaht.conference@gmail.com