Originating in the early 2000s, Sinophone Studies has emerged as a dynamic and expanding area
of academic inquiry. It is an interdisciplinary field that delves into the rich and diverse cultural
expressions of sinitic languages beyond geographical borders, focusing on communities,
individuals, and cultural productions that are influenced by Chinese languages, cultures, and
heritage. Sinophone communities have evolved into a vast tapestry of cultural intersections,
displacements, and hybridities across global contexts, giving rise to an interdisciplinary field that
embraces a wide spectrum of subjects, from literature and film to art, history, linguistics, and
beyond.

Central to the exploration of Sinophone Studies is the examination of how languages shape cultural identities and influence creative expressions. Scholars in this field scrutinize how diverse communities across the globe utilize Chinese languages to articulate their experiences, histories, and cultural identities. Sinophone Studies also engages with the complex web of historical and contemporary interactions between the Sinophone communities and their host societies. From early historical migrations to recent waves of globalization, this field investigates the multifaceted interactions and exchanges that have shaped the Sinophone experience. Moreover, Sinophone Studies aims to dismantle the monolithic representation of the “Chinese” identity and
encourages a nuanced understanding of the multiple voices and perspectives that constitute the
Sinophone world. Through critical analysis and close examination, this field seeks to uncover
marginalized narratives, voices, and artistic expressions that are often overlooked in mainstream discourses.

Conference Objectives
Although Sinophone Studies has garnered increasing academic attention since its introduction in the early 2000s, there is still a lingering reluctance towards this concept, particularly in Europe.
While the Chinese presence in Europe has a centuries-old history, European academic discourse
has long neglected the conceptualization of a Sinophone-European culture and the systematic
study of Sinophone European communities and individuals in their contribution to shaping local
culture, such as bilingual Sino-Italian writers/performers or Sino-French artists. By considering the possible influence of an orientalist and Eurocentric prejudice in this lack of interest, we aim to ignite conversation by inviting scholars and researchers from diverse disciplines to explore the
intricate complexities of Sinophone cultural production in Europe.
As we investigate the multifarious connections between language, culture, and identity that have
been occurring in Europe inside, across, and around different Sinophone contexts, we also seek to contribute to a deeper comprehension of the ever-changing, interconnected world we live in, fostering cross-cultural dialogues and promoting a more inclusive understanding of global cultural dynamics.
Although in the past few years a handful of scholars have been examining Sinophone articulations in and from Europe, such as Simona Gallo and Martina Codeluppi, Zhiyi Yang, Gregor Benton, and Andrea Riemenschnitter there remains much to be explored. The primary goal of this conference
is to bring new insights about European Sinophone studies, as well as to bridge the gap between researchers from Europe who explore the Sinophone “from” Europe and those who investigate the Sinophone “in” Europe, with a particular emphasis on the latter. Together, we will delve into what we call “Sinophone Europe” – a complex space where cultures, histories, and identities converge, intertwine, and evolve.

We invite scholars from a wide range of disciplines, including but not limited to:

• Literary Studies: Exploring Sinophone literature produced or studied within Europe.
• History: Unraveling the historical complexities of the Sinophone presence in Europe.
• Art and Visual Culture: Analyzing artistic expressions by Sinophone artists residing in
  Europe.
• Linguistics: Investigating language interactions within the Sinophone European communities.
• Cultural Studies: Examining the intersection of culture, identity, and representation in Sinophone Europe.

As part of a larger project, we are planning to publish a selection of the presented papers in an
edited volume that promises to contribute significantly to the growing body of knowledge in
European Sinophone Studies.
We welcome submissions from Europe-based scholars who are conducting research in the field
of Sinophone Studies as well as from any scholar whose research focuses on Sinophone communities and/or subjectivities in Europe.

Abstracts of no more than 300 words should be submitted via email to valentina.pedone@unifi.it and rebecca.ehrenwirth@sdi-muenchen.de by
December 1, 2023. (Note: Please send your abstract to both email addresses.)
Please ensure that your submission includes a brief biography with your name, affiliation, and
contact information.
Please note that the conference will take place at the University of Florence, Italy.

Important dates and information
Paper abstract due: December 1, 2023
Notification of acceptance: February 1, 2024
Full paper due for circulation among conference participants: August 31, 2024
Conference dates: December 13-14, 2024
Contact details: valentina.pedone@unifi.it; rebecca.ehrenwirth@sdi-muenchen.de