We are the coordinators of the Open Panel No. 24. Linguistic Anthropology/ Antropologia Linguística OP 035 entitled, “Articulation of Silence in Postcolonial Contexts” at the 18th IUAES World Congress being organised at the Federal University of Santa Catarina (UFSC) in Florianópolis, Brazil [July 16-20, 2018]. For details please visit http://www.iuaes2018.org/conteudo/view?ID_CONTEUDO=398
and follow the link “Open Panels.”

Silence is an eloquent strategy of expressing myriad shades of meanings. Basically it is an act of refraining from speaking for various reasons. It may be due to shock, subjugation, imposing authority or helplessness of the victim. At times it is chosen as a deliberate strategy to overcome an embarrassing situation or struggle for survival. In colonial contexts silence was either imposed or chosen as a means to establish an identity. Silence is a potential tool of dissent and protest. ‘Cultural Silence’ designates silences that are inextricably related to specific, racial, ethnic and class differences. Such silence is found generally in works of art. Creative persons choose a mode of literary genre to express their inner most feelings and experiences, which may be viewed as ‘taboo’ if openly expressed through speech. The idea of silence(s) and of “subjugated” voices assumes significance while considering gender issues. This panel seeks to explore how silence is articulated in postcolonial contexts and its implications.

We invite proposals for presentation on our panel. Short abstracts of about 150 words and extended abstracts not exceeding 350 words, along with 5 key words, should be submitted online. The registration form to submit abstracts to open panels will be available from January 08, 2018 at the conference website. Once the abstracts are accepted by the coordinators, presenters should submit full papers in keeping with the time frame stipulated by the organisers.

Deadline for submission of abstracts: February 28, 2018

Best wishes or a happy and prosperous New Year2018!

Dr. T.S. Chandra Mouli
Prof. Rajeshwar Mittapalli
Coordinators, Open Panel No. OP 035
18th IUAES World Congress
Florianópolis, Brazil