The theme of the conference is Interactions, Identities, Intentions.
- Current forms of online interaction are diverse and shaped by the semiotic affordances of technological platforms. Written and spoken language are used in tandem with other modalities such as emojis, images, animations, video clips and the like. Furthermore, the popularity of mobile media ensures that connections between online and offline interactions are profound.
- Questions related to online identities have interested researchers since the early days of internet communication. The anonymity of interlocutors in many online spaces created an impression that online communication takes place between internet identities and is remote from the “real” communication taking place in society, between “real” people. Today, there is no question about the role and importance of internet communication in politics, business, education, social relationships, etc; at the same time, the affordances of online communication provide users not only with anonymity but also the possibility of establishing fake identities in e.g. trolling and astroturfing.
- Whatever the affordances used by interlocutors, online communication leaves a record, which is permanent in many cases and, research ethics permitting, can be used by researchers to analyse the practices of interlocutors. What is more, the record may enable considerations of intention in accounting for actions by interlocutors, whether discussed by the interlocutors themselves or more indirectly observable in the interaction.
We welcome proposals for panels and individual papers dealing with the pragmatics of online interactions from the various perspectives presented above. The topics studied may include: the role of multimodality in online interaction; online technological affordances and the construction or expression of identities; patterns of offline interaction arising from online interaction or vice versa; the role of intention in accounting for actions by interlocutors; ethical issues related to data collection and analysis.
Confirmed plenary speakers:
- Anita Fetzer (University of Augsburg)
- Tuomo Hiippala (University of Helsinki)
- Sirpa Leppänen (University of Jyväskylä)
- Julien Longhi (University of Cergy-Pontoise)
- Ruth Page (University of Birmingham)
Details of abstract submission:
Proposals for panels and abstracts for individual presentations must be submitted through EasyAbstracts. The system opens on 1 December 2019.
Presentation formats:
Panels:
Panels focusing on a theme or topic will be allocated slots in the programme; the panel organisers will be responsible for the actual form of the panel, but the minimum number of presentations per session is three. Panel organisers should send their proposal (max. 400 words, excluding references) with a list of possible participants and their topics by 15 January 2020. Notification of acceptance will be sent by 31 January. Abstracts for presentations in accepted panels must be submitted by * 8 March *.
Regular presentations:
Regular presentations will be given a slot of 30 minutes (20 for presentation + 10 for discussion). Abstracts should be max. 300 words in length (excluding references) and must be submitted by * 8 March *.
Virtual presentations:
If you are unable to attend the conference in person, you can still present your paper virtually. All plenary talks and a selection of sessions will be streamed to virtual presenters. Abstracts for virtual presentations should be max. 300 words in length (excluding references) and must be submitted by * 8 March *.
Important dates:
- Panel proposal deadline: 15 January 2020
- Notification of acceptance of panels: 31 January 2020
- Abstract deadline: 28 February 2020 * New deadline: 8 March *
- Notification of acceptance of presentations: 30 April 2020 ⇒ *15 May 2020*