Transnational Subjects. Linguistic Encounters. Selected Papers from the XXVII AIA Conference

Contemporary national/transnational language–related realities are reflected in the use of English as a subject of investigation for, from and through linguistic, social, pragmatic and methodological perspectives. They deserve deep examination and sound analyses particularly today, when fast transformations in a variety of areas (e.g., technology, science, politics) affect language use and its interpretation. The present volume clusters and presents some such inquiries. The focus is specifically given to five major areas of investigation, each of which will be dealt with in a topic–specific section (Part One–Five). Globalisation and present forms of migration across national boundaries, as it is well known, have changed our perception of self, identity, mother tongue and intercultural communication. Encounters with other languages and cultures have become the norm and have irrevocably altered previously stable and unified notions of identity, language and culture. Multifaceted intercultural and socio–cultural phenomena (see Part One) have given birth to new discourses both on the significance of belonging to a linguistic community and on the nature of English as the contemporary medium of global communication (see Part Two). Cross–cultural movements, through travel, tourism, and global communication have further facilitated the interaction between one’s own and others’ language and culture (see Part Three) and have generated new needs and engendered innovative considerations in translation (see Part Four). Web–wired transnational audiences and socially–dedicated technologies have further contributed to shaping unprecedented scenarios and shown new forms of linguistic and socio–cultural entanglements as well as interpersonal uses of meaning (see Part Five). Within these embedding national and transnational language–related realities in constant transformation and evolution, scholars and researchers are required to: a) rediscuss the notions of globalisation and transculturality in English, so that concepts such as language use, identity, ethnicity, translingualism and transculturalism may acquire contemporary, functional and efficient definitions; b) examine the impact that the present global scenario has on English and on English–related phenomena in real or mediated contexts; c) redefine aspects of translation and translation practices in today’s contemporary world, and 4) identify features of English use, abuse and/or misuse through the digital tools that have been offered by contemporary technological advancements and have been facilitated by easily collectable online materials. The possibility of shedding some light on these aspects is among the aims that this volume intends to pursue via offering a photograph of today’s English through the investigations of the eighteen authors who have contributed to structure the five thematic sections of the volume.