Sinophone Europe Conference

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.