Queer Linguistics applies insights from Queer Theory to linguistics. More specifically, it seeks to explore the intersections of language and social identity informed by a non-binary, social constructionist and interactional perspective on gender and sexuality. Queer linguistic research investigates how speakers use language to subvert and reconfigure linguistic and socio-cultural hegemonies. As a growing area of inquiry, it critically explores variation, creativity, and the sociocultural embeddedness of language.

We are accepting paper presentations for our workshop “Queer Linguistics at the interface between grammatical and social structure”, which will take place as a part of the 49. Österreichische Linguistiktagung (Austrian Linguistics Conference, ÖLT) in Klagenfurt, Austria, from December 5 to 8, 2025.

This meeting invites linguists of diverse theoretical backgrounds to scrutinize and dissect innovative linguistic phenomena emerging within and around queer/LGBTQI+ communities. It is dedicated to unraveling how language serves as a pivotal tool for both communication and nuanced self-expression, distinctly shaping and reflecting queer identities.

Key discussion points include, but are not limited to:

- PRONOMINAL INNOVATIONS AND LINGUISTIC ADAPTATION: How does the incorporation of gender-neutral and non-binary pronouns challenge conventional grammatical structures How does social and cultural context influence the emergence of new pronoun systems and linguistic norms?

- SEMANTIC SHIFTS AND THE FLUIDITY OF LANGUAGE: How do evolving social attitudes shape the meanings of terms within queer lexicons, both within and beyond queer communities? What role does semantic fluidity play in the adaptation of language to shifting social realities? How can we trace the historical trajectory, development and normalization of queer linguistic forms?

- LINGUISTIC MARKERS OF QUEER IDENTITY: What lexical choices, phonetic features and syntactic structures index queer communities? How do such markers foster community cohesion across diverse linguistic landscapes? How is queerness constructed in public discourse and queer communities?

- GENDER BEYOND THE BINARY: How is gender identity linguistically constructed? How does that affect grammatical choices? How do prevailing language ideologies shape or constrain the linguistic representation of gender diversity?

- QUEERNESS AND INTERSECTIONALITY: How does intersectionality affect linguistic choices within queer communities and/or individual identities? In what ways do intersecting systems of oppression (e.g., racism, ableism, classism) influence access to or the negotiation of queer-inclusive language?

This workshop is designed to foster a dynamic exchange of ideas and promote a deeper understanding of how linguistic practices intersect with queer identities. Participants will contribute to a more nuanced discourse on the adaptive uses of language in queer contexts and help integrate these insights into broader linguistic theory. In doing so, we aim to affirm Queer Linguistics as a vital and intellectually generative domain within contemporary linguistic research.

The meeting is open to all languages and theoretical or methodological approaches.

Call for Papers:

Linguists from various theoretical orientations are invited to participate in this working group and present theoretical or empirical studies addressing current developments and future perspectives in the field of Queer Linguistics.

Abstracts for 20-minute presentations (plus 10 minutes discussion) must be submitted in .doc and in PDF format. They should be between 150 and 300 words in length. All submissions must include references and follow the formatting guidelines of the Unified Style Sheet for Linguistics (https://clas.wayne.edu/linguistics/resources/style).

The language of the workshop is English. Every author can submit at most one single-authored abstract and one co-authored abstract.

Please submit your abstract via e-mail no later than 1 September 2025 to:
catasso@uni-wuppertal.de

WORKSHOP CONVENORS:
Oliver Bunk, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin
(oliver.bunk@hu-berlin.de)
Nicholas Catasso, Bergische Universität Wuppertal
(catasso@uni-wuppertal.de)
Mx Gaul, Universität Bremen
(mx.gaul@uni-bremen.de)
Vroni Zieglmeier, Ruprecht-Karls-Universität Heidelberg
(vroni.zieglmeier@as.uni-heidelberg.de)