Contexts of Language: How to Analyze Context?
FiCLA (Finnish Cognitive Linguistics Association) and Adaptive Informatics Research Centre of Aalto University School of Science and Technology organize the symposium ‘Contexts of Language: How to Analyze Context?’ in Helsinki December 10-11, 2010.
Cognitive linguistics emphasizes the non-autonomous character of language and grammar. Meaning is considered encyclopedic which means that there is a continuum from language to its contexts unifying both sociocultural as well as cognitive aspects of language. However, the theoretical and methodological tools, models and concepts used in the analysis of contexts still need clarification. The notion of context is situated at the centre of a multidisciplinary discussion. Traditionally, the notion of context is attributed to studies of semantics and pragmatics. Moreover, context is taken as an extension of a general notion of meaning in linguistics. Although linguistic expressions are by necessity always tied to context, the notion itself does not figure prominently in the linguistic tradition, more specifically in grammatical approaches to linguistic structure. However, during the past decade linguistics has become more sensitive to the notion of context and the possible contextual factors that influence in linguistic structure. The acknowledgement of context and its pivotal role in language is one of the key factors which have led to the branching of linguistic frameworks and opened language for multidisciplinary approaches, for example computational models such as SOMs (self-organizing maps), approaches to language and evolution, analysis of the multimodality of language, translational studies and various discourse oriented approaches among others. Thus, one of the central contexts of language is the speech situation and more broadly the whole sociocultural environment at large. This notion of context is explicitly present in translational and multilingual studies which stress the role of contextual factors. A certain sequence can be an integrated whole, part of the conventionalized symbolic inventory in one language while in another it may require the use of contextually embedded elements to convey the content of the sequence.
The idea of the symposium is to bring together researchers working on language and context at large. We hope that the symposium can function as a medium between different approaches and frameworks and facilitate fruitful interdisciplinary discussion and possibly even open a venue for multidisciplinary and international research prospects. Additionally, we encourage participation of younger researchers in the international and multidisciplinary dialogue between different fields of language studies. We propose that the notion of context is best understood as cutting the boundaries set forth by traditional linguistic frameworks. To achieve this, a broader perspective is required to offer a more satisfactory apparatus of possible descriptive devices and theoretical concepts.
We therefore welcome contributions addressing the notion of Context in language studies from various perspectives and backgrounds including theoretical, empirical and experimental approaches, ranging from studies of lexical, functional and syntactical analyses to computational approaches to context within and between languages. The conference aims to promote discussion on the methods and models of the fine-grained analyses of contextual features. Especially welcome are empirical and case studies on the connection of language to its various contextual aspects. Possible topics for papers include but are not restricted to the following:
- The role of context in linguistic theory
- Context and translational studies
- Orientation to the speech-situation (grounding) and interactional context
- Sociocultural settings of language and speech, social practices in text and discourse production
- Intersubjectivity of meaning
- Intertextuality and genres as contexts
- Psycholinguistic studies of contextual processing
- Computational models of context in language
- The development of contextual factors of meaning in lexicalization or grammaticalization
- Embodiment of language, gestures, physical and spatial orientation in language
- The interconnection between language/speech and action
- The relation between context, language and cognition
The deadline for the submission of abstracts is August 31, 2010 either in English or Finnish. Additionally, the abstract should not exceed 500 words excluding data, tables and references. Please submit your abstract by e-mail to jarkko.j.niemi[at]helsinki.fi . The body of the message should include the following information: Name of the participant, title of the presentation and affiliation. The abstracts will be evaluated by the organizing committee. The participants will be notified about acceptance by September 15, 2010. The book of abstract will be published on the web page of the symposium. The languages of the symposium are English and Finnish. For any additional information please contact either tiina.onikki[at]helsinki.fi or jarkko.j.niemi[at]helsinki.fi.
Activities
- Presentation by the plenary speakers
- Presentation by other participants
- Posters
- Workshops
- Conference dinner
Confirmed plenary speakers
Marja Etelämäki (University of Helsinki)
Timo Honkela (Aalto University School of Science and Technology)
Krista Lagus (Aalto University School of Science and Technology)
Mikko Sams (Aalto University School of Science and Technology)
Chris Sinha (University of Portsmouth)
Organizing committee
- Timo Honkela (Aalto University School of Science and Technology)
- Lari Kotilainen (University of Helsinki)
- Aki-Juhani Kyröläinen (University of Turku)
- Jarkko Niemi (University of Helsinki)
- Jussi Niemi (University of Eastern Finland)
- Krista Ojutkangas (University of Turku)
- Tiina Onikki-Rantajääskö (University of Helsinki)
- Jouni Rostila (University of Tampere)
Registration
The deadline for registration is September 30, 2010. Please register by e-mail jarkko.j.niemi[at]helsinki.fi.
Registration fees
General: 60€
Members of FiCLA: 40€
Finnish participants are requested to pay the registration fee to the FiCLA bank account Sampo 80001270761654. IF at all possible, participants from abroad are also requested to pay the registration fee in advance by using international bank transfer (Sampo Bank plc, SWIFT-BIC: DABAFIHH, IBAN FI2380001270761654). However, we can accept payment in cash, in Euros, upon arrival if an international bank transfer is not possible. However, we cannot accept credit cards of any sort. Additionally, we kindly ask the participants to notify the organizing committee if an international bank transfer is not an option. Secondly, we would like to ask international participants to bring a copy of the original transaction receipt with you and present it upon arrival. Details about the conference dinner will be posted at a later point.
Symposium venue
Tieteiden talo (House of Sciences), address Kirkkokatu 6. How to get there information will be found at the webpage of the symposium closer to the conference.