New reflections on grammaticalization 4

[P J KAHREL]

With apologies for cross-postings

NEW REFLECTIONS ON GRAMMATICALIZATION 4

Leuven, 16-19 July 2008

Since the 1980s, grammaticalization has held an important place in 
linguistic research. Early grammaticalization studies explored 
morphosyntactic change, building on Lehmann's ([1982] 1995) seminal 
study on processes and parameters of grammaticalization. This type of 
grammaticalization mainly focuses on the change of free syntactic 
units into highly constrained morphemes with a grammatical function. 
A more recent tradition, initiated by Traugott (1982) and elaborated, 
for example, in Traugott (1989, 1995, 1996), focuses on 
semantic-pragmatic change in grammaticalization. Over the last years, 
three conferences (Potsdam 1999, Amsterdam 2002, Santiago de 
Compostela 2005) presented reflections on grammaticalization, 
adducing new evidence --and sometimes counterevidence-- for the 
concept of grammaticalization.

The purpose of this fourth NRG conference is to bring together 
innovating papers that explore the boundaries of the current 
grammaticalization research. As such, in addition to contributions on 
the 'traditional' areas of grammaticalization, we especially welcome 
contributions addressing issues in grammaticalization such as:

* Grammaticalization and constructions;
* Grammaticalization and the classification of transitional and 
gradient linguistic phenomena;
* Micro-processes of grammaticalization;
* Grammaticalization, idiomaticization and lexicalization;
* Grammaticalization and the structure of discourse;
* Grammaticalization and/versus pragmaticalization and 
(inter-)subjectification;
* Formal(-semantic) approaches to grammaticalization;
* Accounts of degrammaticalization

We are also looking for contributions that address the relationship 
between grammaticalization and analogy. Furthermore, we are seeking 
contributions that highlight the importance of such usage-based 
factors as frequency and entrenchment for grammaticalization, and 
that, in general, devote attention to quantitative data in support of 
grammaticalization processes. Finally, we welcome papers on what 
computer simulations of the evolution/emergence of human 
communication can tell us about grammaticalization.


PLENARY SPEAKERS

Laurel Brinton (University of British Columbia)
John W. Du Bois (University of California at Santa Barbara)
Regine Eckardt (University of Goettingen)
Muriel Norde (University of Groningen)
Graeme Trousdale (University of Edinburgh)
Richard Waltereit (University of Newcastle)


CONVENORS

Bert Cornillie (University of Leuven - FWO-Flanders)
Hubert Cuyckens (University of Leuven)
Kristin Davidse (University of Leuven)
Torsten Leuschner (University of Ghent)
Tanja Mortelmans (University of Antwerp)


CALL FOR PAPERS/WORKSHOPS

Papers are invited on the aspects of grammaticalization within the 
framework outlined above. Presentations will be 20 minutes with 10 
minutes question time.

Abstracts should not exceed 500 words (exclusive of references) and 
should state research questions, approach, method, data and 
(expected) results. Abstracts will be reviewed anonymously.


Proposals for workshops are also welcome. Since we would like all 
conference participants to be able to attend individual workshop 
presentations, NRG3 workshops have to be compatible with the main 
conference programme. This means that the format of the workshops 
must be organized around 30 minute presentations (20 min. + 10 min. 
discussion). Each workshop should comprise:
1. An introductory paper by the convenor(s). It should summarize 
previous research, specify the approaches to be found in the workshop 
and explain the scope of the papers to be given.
2. Up to 5 papers (20/30 min. + 10 min. discussion). The preference 
is for one-day workshops, but other schedules may also be considered.
3. Final discussion (up to 90 min.) on topics covered by the papers, 
methodological issues and questions for future research.
More detailed information and instructions to all the participants 
will be provided in due course by the convenors of the workshops.

The deadline for the submission of abstracts and workshop proposals 
(with abstracts) is 1 December 2007. Notification of acceptance will 
be given by 30 January 2008.

PUBLICATION OF PAPERS

It is the organizers' intention to publish a selection of the 
conference papers.


SOCIAL PROGRAMME

There will be a reception and a conference dinner. One of the four 
conference days will be held at the University of Antwerp, and will 
include an excursion. A post-conference excursion to Bruges and Ghent 
will take place on 20 July.


TRANSPORT

Brussels National Airport is located a short distance between Leuven 
and Brussels. Travelling to and from the airport is easy.

There is a direct train link from Leuven to the airport and from the 
airport to Leuven or you can take the Airport City Express to 
Brussels. Schedules for these lines, as well as for train service 
throughout the whole of Belgium (and international trains), are 
available on the Belgian National Railways (SNCB/NMBS) website; enter 
Brussels Airport as the departure or destination station.


Disclaimer: http://www.kuleuven.be/cwis/email_disclaimer.htm