Media and media practices in minority and competitive contexts: From local to global

Few studies have been conducted on the topic of media in minority context. However, in
today’s plurilingual and multicultural societies, their role in the functioning of democracy
and in the construction of minorities’ cultural identities is crucial. These media are both
channels of communication and gathering places or common areas for communities. By
connecting individuals who share the same language, these media reinforce solidarity
within minority groups as well as their cultural identity, both at the local and global levels.
In order to maintain their existence, minority media must also position themselves vis-àvis
the media of the majority to which their audiences also have access.

Conceived as a space for exchange between practitioners and researchers in social
sciences, humanities and modern languages, this colloquium seeks to reflect on the role
of media in minority contexts from various perspectives and with a comparative angle.
The selection committee solicits proposals on any question related to the issue of media
in minority contexts, and in particular in relation with questions of: cultural
representations (identity, art, translation), democracy (multiculturalism, ethics, media
status), networks (national, transnational), professional practice (journalism, technology),
language policy and language use. We encourage submissions dealing with different
media: television, radio, specialized and general press [newspapers and
magazines], posters, internet, etc. We strongly encourage media professionals
to participate. Working language will be English and French. Proposals can be submitted
in either of these two languages. Selected proceedings of the conference will be
published.