Language is at the heart of communication and social processes. With rising migration and globalization, interactions between people from diverse linguistic backgrounds are at an all-time high. Although this linguistic melting pot offers enrichment and advantages, it is not without its challenges. Tensions may arise when language differences are perceived as intrusions or when language varieties result in threats to identity. Language cues such as accents or dialects are the basis for prevalent discrimination. Moreover, how something is said functions as a central means for the transmission of stereotypes and prejudice, be it in interpersonal interactions or in the media.

Against the background of immigration and linguistic diversity, this meeting addresses four pillars to foster a better understanding of current language challenges:

1. Evolutionary foundations and basic processes in the social perception of language.
2. Language as a carrier of stereotypes and prejudice in intergroup communication.
3. Language as the basis of (stigmatized) identities and its consequences in a globalized world.
4. Language discrimination and prejudice reduction.

This meeting aims at bringing together established and junior researchers in these fields, enriched by our keynote speakers Katherine Kinzler, Richard Bourhis, and Michał Bilewicz. To facilitate lively exchange, there will be networking opportunities and thematic group discussions. The meeting will be held from June 20th to 22nd, 2019 in Warsaw, Poland. Registration fees amount to 100 Euro regular and 50 Euro for PhD students. This will cover conference material, food, and accommodation. We will consider requests for fee reduction.

To apply for this meeting, please send a presentation title and abstract (max. 150 words) to LanguageChallengesXXI@gmail.com. In addition, please indicate your preferred type of presentation (talk, data blitz, poster), your current affiliation and position, as well as your EASP membership status.

Organisers: Karolina Hansen, Janin Roessel, Megan Birney, Tamara Rakić and Magdalena Skrodzka