Language scholars to discuss World Englishes at SU conference

Language scholars to discuss World Englishes at SU conferenceJuly 08, 2004Cynthia J. Moritzcjmoritz@syr.edu

Language scholars from around the world will gather at Syracuse University July 16-18 for an interdisciplinary conference on the use of English as the international language in an increasingly globalized world. The conference is entitled “Globalization and World Englishes: Identity and Creativity.”

Prof. Tej K. Bhatia of the Department of Languages, Literatures & Linguistics in SU’s College of Arts and Sciences and Prof. Peter Koveos, chair of the Department of Finance in SU’s Whitman School of Management, are co-chairing the conference. “We’ll be looking at globalization and what new world order is emerging,” Bhatia says. “How does English carry the burden of being the international language?”James E. Alatis, Distinguished Professor of Linguistics and Modern Greek at Georgetown University, will give the Plenary Address on “Kachru’s Three Circles and the Growth of Professionalism in TESOL.” Keynote addresses will be given by Prof. Yasukata Yano of Waseda University in Tokyo, who will speak on “Is Codification of English and an International Language Possible?” and Salikoko S. Mufwene, Distinguished Service Professor at the University of Chicago, whose topic will be Globalization, Global English and World Englishes: Myths and Facts.”

Leading researchers from six continents will deliver lectures, workshops and panels. Speakers will discuss the various facets of globalization and global communication from the perspective of disciplines such as psychology, cognitive sciences, linguistics, English, advertising and government and politics. As many as 150 scholars are expected to attend the conference.

The conference is sponsored by the International Association for World Englishes; Kiebach Center for International Business Studies in the Whitman School of Management at SU; the Global Institute & International Relations, Maxwell School of Citizenship & Public Affairs at SU; Writing Program, Department of English, Department of Religion and Department of Languages, Literatures & Linguistics in College of Arts and Sciences at SU; and SU’s Office of Research and Computing.