People live in the realm of words and words live in the realm of people. Language is commonly perceived as a gift and delineated as a “social practice” by which human relations are established and maintained. Whether it is through the spoken words, the written letters, or the simplest body gestures, power is exerted. 

Language is used to formulate and propagate ideologies, to construct and dismantle institutions, to edify and ruin individuals, to create, change and/or end social relationships and practices. Because of the way it is employed, language touches hearts, stirs minds, plays with imagination, and leads to action. It generates a wide range of feelings and emotions and will easily mark the fine line between loving/enjoying life and cringing over it. Language will create conflicts and help resolve them, cause pain and serve as remedy for it as well, expose ignorance and supply one with wisdom, enable encounters with the unknown and still make it knowable, highlight the communication barriers between or among individual/communities and bridge the gaps by the power of translation, too. Language can inspire towards unprecedented heights, tear down to ruins, cut more painfully than a sword, comfort tenderly in times of despair, and enlighten in times of darkness. Words will become life-defining stories, which, in turn, will become permanent realities, and then, … history. Such is the power of language.

This conference intends to provide a platform for academics and scholars to present their research which identifies and elaborates on such threads in the areas of linguistics, language usage, literature, communication, arts, culture and history.  

Abstracts of no more than 300 words, including keywords, the author’s name, affiliation, and email,
should be sent to: Ilda Erkoçi easconferences@gmail.com.

Deadline for abstract submission:  October 15, 2019.

Conference fee: 50 Euros. It includes conference materials, the book of abstracts, refreshments, conference dinner and an excursion.

Shkodra has always been the capital of culture, arts and heritage for Albania. It offers a wide variety of things to do and places to visit. With its historical sites and monuments, beautiful historic architecture, artistic and cultural events, warm hospitality, and a fine combination of cuisine styles, Shkodra will make your visit a delight.  

Travel: It takes less than two hours from Mother Theresa International Airport or from the Airport of Podgorica in Montenegro, and about three hours from the Airport of Prishtina in Kosovo.

Accommodation: It offers a variety of accommodation styles, from short term apartment rentals, bed & breakfasts, to hotels. 

Should you have any questions about the conference or aspects related to it, don’t hesitate to contact us.