LaICL’23

I International Conference on Language and Intercultural Communication Learning

“Language and intercultural competence education in a global age: bridging divides for diverse, more inclusive societies”

We are living in a global world that is shaped by the interconnectedness of systems, societies and people, a context where continuous cross-border flows of goods and services, capital, information and ideas, as well as growing mobility for travel, migration or education have been key drivers of development.

We are also living in a time of unprecedented challenges. A context where the recent pandemic has been the great disruptor, impacting the lives of every person and organisation on the planet – while, simultaneously, being the event that has fast-tracked digital transformation by many years. A time marked by disaster displacement as one of the most devastating consequences of climate change. A moment of large-scale conflicts, tensions and divisions leading to a growing number of forced migrants worldwide.  A state of global re-emergence of populism and growing ‘us’ versus ‘them’ dynamics of polarisation.

In September 2022, UN Secretary-General António Guterres addressing the UN General Assembly emphasised the urgency to act, reinforcing that these divides are growing deeper, and inequalities are growing wider. Indeed, over the past 20 years, the number of international migrants has grown consistently. According to the UN, in 2020, 281 million people lived outside their country of origin, which represents 3.6 per cent of the world’s population, with Europe continuing to host the largest number of migrants in the world. As our societies become more multicultural and multilingual, the changing global landscape calls for a discussion on the role of education in the overall effort to welcome and integrate students of all backgrounds, and a reflection on how Language and Intercultural Communication educators can improve their practices to better prepare all students for the challenges ahead, harnessing them with adequate 21^st-century skills to thrive in a competitive global market, but also inspiring them to be global citizens committed to making a positive impact in the world.

Keynote speakers

Carla Conti de Freitas, State University of Goiás
“Intercultural language and education: bringing up diversity issues in teachers’
education

Monika Jozwiak, University of Coventry
“Getting engaged in Collaborative Online International Learning with Coventry
University”

Rodolfo Maslias, University of Luxembourg; European Parliament (2008-22)
“Breaking down borders: the impact of consistent and clear terminology in a
multilingual Europe”

Publications

Simões, A., Balula, A., Carvalho, S., Mouro, A.L., Costa, A.R., Neves, M., & Vasconcelos, S. (Orgs.) (2023). International Conference on Language and Intercultural Communication Learning (LaICL): Book of Extended Abstracts. UA Editora. https://doi.org/10.48528/yjpm-3c03 [ISBN 978-972-789-885-5]

Balula, A., Simões, A.V., & Carvalho, S. (Orgs.) (2024). Language and intercultural competence education in a global age: bridging divides for diverse, more inclusive societies. Imprensa da Universidade de Coimbra & UA Editora. https://doi.org/10.14195/978-989-26-2655-0  [ISBN 978-989-26-2655-0]

LaICL’23 📷

If you wish to browse through more photos taken during our encounter, they’re available here.