Day 3 of the ICLASP18 Conference
The third day of the 18th International Conference on Language and Social Psychology (#ICLASP18) commenced with a fascinating keynote and a diverse array of sessions and panels, fostering discussions on language, identity, stereotypes, bias, and intercultural communication.
The morning session featured the Gudykunst Memorial Lecture by Emeritus Professor Felix Ameka from Leiden University, Netherlands. Professor Ameka's keynote on "Linguistic and Cultural Conceptualisations of Health and Well-Being" provided valuable insights into the intricate relationship between language, culture, and well-being.
Following that, participants engaged in sessions and panels throughout the day. Themes explored included language and identity, stereotypes and social perceptions, language attitudes, bilingualism, emotional and cultural impact, cross-cultural comparisons, intercultural communication, communication bias, social perception, and cultural influences on language and identity. Notable presentations addressed a wide range of topics, from mapping language-in-identity configurations in contemporary Hong Kong to examining linguistic cues of political charisma and perceptions of linguistic bias in news media.
The lunch break featured a presentation by Dr. Rachyl Pines (Research Scientist at Stanford Health Care), recipient of the 2022 Bradac Early Career Award, providing an opportunity for attendees to celebrate her outstanding contributions to the field. Afternoon sessions explored communication bias, expertise applicable to employment, and the interplay of culture and language in perceiving stigma.
Throughout the third day, attendees delved into multifaceted discussions addressing pressing issues in language and social psychology. Session topics ranged from language and identity to stereotypes and social perceptions, exploring language attitudes, bilingualism, communication bias, and cultural influences on language use. Scholars presented groundbreaking research on topics such as the impact of regional dialects on online language ownership, the effects of stereotype threat on social interactions, and strategies to counteract linguistic bias in various contexts. These sessions not only showcased the richness and diversity of research in the field but also sparked critical reflections on the intricate ways in which language shapes social dynamics and influences individual and collective identities.
The day concluded with an excursion in Tallinn Old Town, offering participants a chance to explore the cultural heritage of the city, followed by an official banquet at the Estonian Academy of Sciences. These social events provided networking opportunities for scholars and practitioners to connect and exchange ideas in beautiful summer Tallinn.
The 18th International Conference on Language and Social Psychology continues to serve as a platform for advancing understanding and collaboration in the dynamic intersection of language and social psychology. For more information, visit the official conference website at https://www.tlu.ee/en/bfm/iclasp18.
The text is authored by Dr. Anastassia Zabrodskaja, who is a Professor of Intercultural Communication, the Head of the Communication Management master’s programme at Tallinn University Baltic Film, Media and Arts School, and the Executive Director of the European Masters in Intercultural Communication (EMICC) teaching and research network.
