Call for papers

In an era defined by rapid technological advancements (Warschauer & Xu, 2024) and the increasing prevalence of multimodal communication (Kress & Van Leuuwen, 2001), the field of Language for Specific Purposes (LSP) is at a crossroads. Multimodality can be considered a cornerstone of our disciplinary field and a motivation for the global digital transformation of communication, fostering new pedagogies aimed at developing multiple disciplinary literacies. This conference aims to explore the evolving nature of LSP in the context of multimodal literacy (Lim & Tan-Chia, 2023), examining how various modes of communication—such as visual, auditory, and digital—are reshaping our understanding of language use in specific professional and academic contexts. The findings from this conference will shape the future of LSP research, as well as LSP teaching and learning

Topics

We invite contributions that address, but are not limited to, the following themes:

• • Defining Multimodal Literacy in LSP contexts: How do we conceptualize multimodal literacy in LSP? What frameworks can we use to analyze its components?
  • Pedagogical Approaches: Innovative teaching methods that integrate multimodal elements into LSP curricula. Case studies or best practices from educational institutions are welcome.
  • Assessment and Evaluation: Exploring new methods for assessing multimodal competencies in LSP contexts. How can we evaluate students’ abilities to navigate and produce multimodal texts?
  • Technological Integration: The role of technology in enhancing multimodal communication in specific fields. What tools and platforms are most effective for LSP? How has digitalization affected LSP?
  • Cultural and Contextual Factors: How do cultural differences influence the use of multimodal communication in LSP? Case studies from diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds are encouraged.
  • Professional Practices: Examining how industries are adapting to multimodal communication. What genres and skills are now required for professionals in specific fields?

Guidelines for abstract submission

We welcome submissions for individual papers, and posters. Abstracts should clearly outline the focus of the presentation, its relevance to the theme, and the methodologies used.

All abstracts will be peer-reviewed by the scientific and the organizing committees, and proposals related to the AELFE panels will be evaluated by the panel coordinators. This will be followed by a notification of acceptance or request for revision.

The required format for submissions is an abstract of 300 words (excluding references). For references, please follow the APA Citation Style (7th edition). Abstracts should include a brief outline of the research/project context and clearly indicate the objectives, method(s), and results. They should be written in the language in which the presentation will be delivered.

Language policy: the conference languages are English, French, German, Italian, Portuguese and Spanish.

Presentation Policy: given that the organizing committee believes that conferences should provide opportunities for professional exchange, i.e., giving and receiving feedback, and meeting colleagues with similar interests, we encourage discussions following each paper presentation and require that papers should be presented only by their authors. Non-author substitute presenters will not be allowed to present papers.

To aim at diversity, we accept only two paper presentations per author (i.e., one single-authored and one co-authored).

Important Dates

• Abstract Submission Deadline: 17th February
• Notification of Acceptance: 3rd March