Conference of Belief Narrative Network of ISFNR "Nature Spirits: Continuity and Change"
"Nature Spirits: Continuity and Change"
Conference of Belief Narrative Network of ISFNR
Dear Colleagues
It is our great pleasure to invite you to attend the conference of Belief Narrative Network at the ISFNR “Nature Spirits: Continuity and Change” in Zugdidi, October 1-4, 2014, Zugdidi, Georgia.
The conference will be hosted and organized by Shota Meskhia State Teaching University of Zugdidi with the support of Ministry of Education and Science of Georgia and Shota Rustaveli National Science Foundation,and organized together with the Belief Narrative Network at the ISFNR.
Nature spirits were among the very first topics of folk narrative research. Since the romantic era, these belief traditions and their study have undergone remarkable changes. In the light of contemporary folklore research, it is time to update our scholarly views on the supernatural in the natural and to problematize the whole concept of nature spirit. While this classical category is practical in indexes, it can be alien to vernacular interpretations. The BNN conference “Nature Spirits: Continuity and Change” invites researchers to discuss historical and contemporary views on spirits in the natural environment both as objects of study and features of living belief traditions. The aim of the conference is to form an overall picture of beings encountered in or associated with certain natural environments in belief tradition, and to discuss related theoretical, methodological and conceptual questions. We welcome academic presentations on nature-related spirits and powers, their places in the landscape and the vernacular discourses they inspire. We encourage comparisons between beings, places and times, between diverse genres and interpretations in emic and etic perspectives, as well as between research traditions and concepts. We also look forward to theoretical discussions concerning the topic of nature spirits. They can include - but need not be restricted to - the modalities of belief, the role of genre, the concept of belief narrative, or the construction of the categories of natural, supernatural or non-human in diverse discourses.
Looking forward to seeing you in Zugdidi at the conference of Belief Narrative Network of ISFNR “Nature Spirits: Continuity and Change”
Organizers of the Conference:
The Belief Narrative Network (BNN) is a voluntary association and forms part at the ISFNR. The members of BNN are working on belief narrative.
The International Society for Folk Narrative Research, (Belief Narrative Network Committee) (ISFNR www.isfnr.org) is a scholarly and professional organization of international specialists in the areas of folk narrative, popular literature, folklore and related fields. According to its statutes the Society’s main goal is “to develop scholarly work in the field of folk narrative research and to stimulate contacts and the exchange of views among its members”. Acknowledging development in the field, the goal has broadened in recent years to covering all aspects of narrative as representing the pivotal category of human communication.
Shota Meskhia State Teaching University of Zugdidi is one of the important higher education institution in the region which provides the European Higher Education not only for Georgian student also for the student from Abkhazia. There are three faculties in Teaching University: Business and Law, Health, Humanitarian. As a Teaching university it provides Bachelor, Master and VET programs. In spite of having not PhD programs Teaching University is mainly interested to develop research work within professors and students. Teaching University is actively involved in International Programs (Erasmus Mundus and Tempus) to enhance the possibility of academic works work the scholars.
Ministry of Education and Science of Georgia aims at establishing modern and innovative educational and scientific environment in close cooperation with civil society. The Ministry advocates freedom of choice, fair competition, equal opportunities, civil integrity, and respect for cultural identity. The Ministry promotes acquisition and development of knowledge and skills necessary for social success and self-realization.
Shota Rustaveli National Science Foundation promotes: implementation of fundamental, applied and innovative research in a competitive environment, development of knowledge-based society, reinforcement of links between science and education, integration of Georgia into international research area and popularization of science. In cooperation with scientific community, state and private entities Shota Rustaveli National Science Foundation performs its activities transparently and impartially.
Deadline for Abstracts Submission December 31st, 2013