International Conference
Sociolinguistic and intercultural dynamics in sport contexts

In Italy only very few works systematically deal with sociolinguistic dynamics in sport contexts, and yet sport could be considered a complex ecosystem characterized by multicultural contact determined by the frequent and dynamic mobility of people, languages and cultures. The need therefore arises to describe the macro forms of contact between languages in sport contexts through works which aim at associating sporting activities with semiotic, sociolinguistic and educational linguistic theories. Furthermore, the idea is to illustrate the value and effects of sport in support of educational planning and cultural development actions implemented in specific areas. For this reason, referring to the migration context, where different identities meet and, in some cases, clash, according to the European Commission’s 2007 White Paper on Sport, sport makes an important contribution to facilitate the integration into society of migrants and persons of foreign origin as well as support intercultural dialogue. Sport promotes a shared sense of belonging and participation and may therefore also be an important tool for the integration of immigrants. The link between language and sport is therefore a very interesting issue which pushes one unto reflecting about identitarian expressions and to rethink integration of immigrants and all citizens. Through the concept of language-games, Wittgenstein also reflects on sport, considered as a rule and non-rule paradigm, related to language uses. In the same vein, Bruno Migliorini uses swimming to describe language as an ability that distinguishes itself from the theoretical and abstract knowledge of the rules which, according to him, are not useful if the practice is neglected. There is therefore a clear link between sport and the need to learn and practice languages in a dynamic, engaging, motivating, playful and relaxing way. These best practices in language learning could be linked to different approaches, for instance task-based learning, multisensory learning, cooperative learning, playful learning.

The University for Foreigners of Siena, whose research areas also focuses on language dynamics on sport, intends through this international conference, to produce reflections and discussions focusing specifically, but not exclusively, on the perspective of educational linguistics, linguistic effects of immigration, semiotics, interpreting and mediating processes.
The themes of the conference are as follows:

• Multilingualism and sport
• Athletes’ language repertoires
• Language uses and attitudes in sport contexts
• Language policy in sport societies
• Language learning in sport contexts: methods and tools
• Sport and language learning motivations
• Educational linguistics in sport high schools and universities
• Interpretation, translation and linguistic as well as cultural mediation in sport contexts
• Tourism and multilingualism
• Educational linguistics and dual career programs
• Linguistic and semiotic dynamics during sport events: verbal (interaction among trainers, athletes and referees; banners; sponsorship and advertisement) and non verbal communication
• Language of sport journalism
• Geolinguistic and demolinguistic data in sport contexts
• Mapping languages in sport teams and championships
• Language and history in sport
• Foreign immigration in Italy and sport: immigrants and asylum seekers
• Italian emigration abroad and sport

In addition to the presentations selected by the scientific committee, the program of the conference will include presentations of invited speakers. Each paper presentation will last 20 minutes plus 10 minutes discussion time.

Scientific Committee:
Carla Bagna, Università per Stranieri di Siena
Laura Capranica, Università degli studi di Roma “Foro Italico”
Emanuele Isidori, Università degli studi di Roma “Foro Italico”
Pierre Lanfranchi, De Montfort University, The Gateway, Leicester
Sabrina Machetti, Università per Stranieri di Siena
Raffaele Poli, University of Neuchâtel
Nicola Porro, Università di Cassino e del Lazio meridionale
Raymond Siebetcheu, Università per Stranieri di Siena
Massimiliano Tabusi, Università per Stranieri di Siena
Alessandro Tortelli, Centro Studi Turistici Firenze
Maurizio Viezzi, Università degli Studi di Trieste
Andrea Villarini, Università per Stranieri di Siena
Massimo Vedovelli, Università per Stranieri di Siena

Organizational Committee
Carla Bagna, Caterina Ferrini, Sabrina Machetti, Andrea Scibetta, Raymond Siebetcheu, Azzurra Tesei

Important dates

Deadline for submissions (in Italian, in English or in French max 500 words, bibliography included): 22 July 2018. Abstracts should be sent as a word attachment to linguaesport@unistrasi.it
Confirmation of acceptance will be notified via email by 14 August, 2018.

Conference fees and registration

The conference fees are 50 Euro. Students, PhD students and teachers of the University for Foreigners of Siena are exempt from paying the conference fees.
Registration for the conference starts on August 15, 2018 and closes on September 30, 2018.

For further information
Email: linguaesport@unistrasi.it
Tel: (00 39) 0577 240143