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Digital Diasporas: Interdisciplinary Perspectives
June 6, 2019 at 9:00 am - June 7, 2019 at 5:00 pm
Venue: University of Westminster, 309 Regent Street, London W1B 2HW
Since Appadurai wrote on the intertwined phenomena of electronic media and migration as disruptive and defining features of modern subjectivity (1996), the relationship between digital technologies and diasporic communities has emerged as a critical area of study across a number of disciplines. However, such research risks remaining isolated within disciplinary silos, often despite the similar processes, practices and materials studied. This conference aims to inspire greater dialogue across disciplinary boundaries in order to develop a richer understanding of the role of the digital in creating and sustaining diasporic connections and communities, and of how diasporic groups and individuals transform and shape digital tools and technologies for their own creative and strategic purposes.Through this dialogue it is hoped that new transdisciplinary ways of working may develop which challenge knowledge fragmentation in order to confront the complexity of the contemporary context of intensified cultural and linguistic flows and new patterns of human mobility. At the same time, drawing attention to diasporic narratives and approaches to digital culture and technologies can function as both critique and challenge to centralised narratives of digital progress and development often restricted to predominantly Anglophone contexts.
We especially welcome research which pays attention to the linguistic and cultural dimensions of digital technologies and media. This is, however, not restricted to any specific geographical area, language or type of community. Equally, the digital is intended to encompass the fullest range of digital practices, materials and technologies, while the conference aims to include methodological and analytical approaches ranging across, for example, ethnographic, cultural studies and computational approaches.
Early-bird registration (available until 30 April 2019):
Standard rate: £80
Concession rate (students/unwaged): £50
Late registration (from 1 May 2019 and depending on availability):
Standard rate: £90
Concession rate (students/unwaged): £60