Call for Papers 

As part of the research project “What’s in a language?” – Reflections on the Portuguese language in Asia (language and cultural memory), within the colonial and post-colonial context (developped by FHSS CityU - University of São Paulo), we propose an international three-day conference, a hybrid event to be held at the City University of Macau, on March 18, 19, and 20, 2026. 

The role of the Portuguese language in Asia and the cultural memory associated with it, in its various expressions—literature and other arts—in both colonial and post-colonial contexts will be reflected upon. This reflection, intended to have broad contours, will expand to the Lusophone world in general, considering its specific contexts (Brazil, Africa, Portugal). The vast interest of China in the Lusophone world, and the specific role of Macau as a link between them, will also be addressed within the frame of international relations. 
The proposed topics for reflection are themes debated by the most current trends in linguistic, literary, and cultural studies, marking the agenda for academic discussion in the area of post- colonial studies, inviting transdisciplinary contributions. With a focus on the specific issues of the unique context of Macau as a multi-century meeting place of cultures, while articulating the proposed reflection within the framework of a more general issue, the coexistence of culturally hybrid communities originating in colonial contexts, the aim is to host another moment of discussion and academic debate in Macao SAR, making it a meeting point for sharing globally developed scientific research and knowledge. 

The topics for reflection are as follows: 
• Identity and cultural memory 
• Language didactics, language learning 
• Interculturality in language, literature, and other arts, and in language teaching 
• Modalities of permanence and resistance of the Portuguese language 
• Language policies 
• The role of the Portuguese language in fostering economic cooperation 
• China and the Lusophone world: international trade and geopolitical networks 

Modalities: In-person and online 
Languages: Portuguese and/or English 

There will be a book resulting from this international conference, featuring double-blind peer-reviewed essays. 

*Keynote speakers:

Rosa Maria Perez (ISCTE- University of Lisbon Institute)

Monica Simas (Universita Ca Foscari, Firenze, Italy)

João Marcelo Martins (Universidade do Minho) 

Maria José Grosso (Universidade de Macau) 

*Guest speakers Maria Celia Lima-Hernandes, Helder Garmes (Universidade de São Paulo) 

Calendar: 

Submission of abstracts: until January 31, 2025 
Link to the Oral Communication Proposal for the Conference "What's in a Language?" Link: 
https://forms.office.com/Pages/DesignPageV2.aspx?subpage=design&token=f927fd1 4144c4321802af12506f2c288&id=lprLrduggkaLR8WUn2wgXrJ55cYKH4tEksnh9-5FelFUNURFMVRVTDlIWjlYUFJDN0M4NDExSE1WMC4u

Notification to authors: until February 5, 2026 
• Registration with communication: until February 10, 2026 
• Conference: March 18, 19, and 20 2026 

Contact email: 
Portuguese@cityu.mo