[Slling-l] [SPAM] SIGN8 call for host organisation

[Ulrike Zeshan]

A PDF of this text and a video with the translation into International Sign can be found at this link:

https://islandscentre.wordpress.com/2016/11/03/sign8-call-for-host-candidates/





SIGN8: Call for Host Candidates

The International Institute for Sign Languages and Deaf Studies (iSLanDS) is pleased to announce that we are now in the planning stages for SIGN8, the eighth conference in our SIGN series, and we are seeking a host institution. We provide here some background information on the SIGN series, and some questions for potential host institutions to consider.

Preliminary expressions of interest for hosting SIGN8 should be sent to bidding at signconference.org<mailto:bidding at signconference.org> by 30 November 2016.

About the SIGN conference series

The SIGN conference series is unique in that it provides a global platform for deaf academics active in the study of sign languages and deaf communities, and is strongly influenced by the agendas and preferences of deaf participants.

*         Presenters are required to present either in the host country's sign language or in International Sign.

*         Presentation slots are 45 minutes each, to allow for slower communication and clarification questions, and the conference includes a high percentage of interactive sessions and lengthy breaks.

*         Interpreting (voiceover) for non-signers is available on a limited basis, e.g. only for opening and closing sessions.

*         A pre-conference workshop on International Sign is provided to improve communication between participants.

*         Abstracts can be submitted either in writing or as a sign language video.

The SIGN series began as a workshop called Cross-linguistic Sign Language Research (CLSLR) in 2006 at the Max Planck Institute for Psycholinguistics in Nijmegen, home of the first sign language typology research group. CLSLR was repeated in 2007, and in 2008 was held at iSLanDS in Preston, UK, at which point the series was renamed SIGN.

Subsequent conferences were held in India (SIGN4 and SIGN6), Turkey (SIGN5) and China (SIGN7). Conferences have welcomed between 120 and 250 participants from more than 25 countries.

The iSLanDS Institute (www.uclan.ac.uk/islands<http://www.uclan.ac.uk/islands>) supports the academic aspects of organising the conference (abstract selection, academic committee, programme structure), sometimes in cooperation with the local host. The local host is responsible for local organisation on their site/campus. Most host institutions in the past have been universities, but other suitable organisations are also eligible to act as hosts, except commercial event organisers.

Questions for potential host institutions to consider

If you are interested in hosting SIGN8, please consider the following points:

1        SIGN8 should take place between October 2017 and May 2018; which month would you want to host SIGN8?

2        SIGN8 should run for 3 or 4 four days (including the pre-conference workshop on International Sign). Is this feasible for your university/institution?

3        How much capacity/space is there for the plenary session and parallel sessions? Is wifi available?

4        What accommodation is available nearby for participants/presenters? How affordable are these options? What about food/catering?

5        What transport is available? Is it realistic for participants to get visas for your country, including people from the Global South and those not employed/sponsored by universities?

6        The ability of your institution to develop a deaf-centred, deaf-led conference is vital. Who would serve on the organising committee? Do you have enough deaf/signing staff members to work at the conference? How would you involve the local community?

7        Do you have International Sign interpreters available, or can you source them? What funding could you apply for, and what would it cover?

8        How would the conference support deaf/sign communities in the Global South?

How to apply

If you are interested in hosting SIGN8, please apply by email (in English or as a video in International Sign) by 30 November 2016. You should:

*         send a brief description of your institution (including any prior experience of conference organisation);

*         give brief responses to the questions above, explaining why your institution would be a suitable host;

*         explain the process within your institution for authorising the hosting of SIGN8 (who needs to support and authorise hosting of the conference, and how will you get their support?)

If you want further details, or would like to discuss with us before sending your response, please contact us at bidding at signconference.org<mailto:bidding at signconference.org>. Thank you!


Prof. Ulrike Zeshan  OBE  MAE  (Member of Academia Europaea)
Director, International Institute for Sign Languages and Deaf Studies
University of Central Lancashire
Preston PR1 2HE
UK
Ph.: +44-1772-893104
Fax: +44-1772-894933
uzeshan at uclan.ac.uk<mailto:uzeshan at uclan.ac.uk>

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