Narrative inquiry in transnational migratory contexts: epistemological and methodological issues
July 8-9, 2013
- Adriana Patiño-Santos (University of Southampton)
- Ana María Relaño-Pastor (University of Castilla-La Mancha)
- Anna de Fina (Georgetown University)
- Alexandra Georgakopoulou (King’s College London)
Narrative analysis has become one of the most salient methodological approaches in the social sciences. Narrative has also been considered a mode of thought, communication and apprehension of reality and an epistemology, which involves the construction of knowledge and a particular political stance.
These aspects become relevant in studying transnational migration contexts. It is in such situations that the negotiation of identity, position, stance and knowledge are problematized by participants in their daily life activities and at the same time, methodological reflexivity, on the researcher’s side, emerges as central for analytical purposes.
By approaching narrative as epistemology and methodology in a variety of migration scenarios across the globe we ask: How have scholars interested in transnational migration used narrative in their research?; How does narrative as epistemology and a method shed light on key issues such as identity, positioning, stance, and reflexivity in migration contexts?; How can researchers with an interest in migration challenge current definitions and methodological approaches to narrative?; How can we discern the commonalities between scholars interested in narrative and transnationalism?
- To engage junior and senior scholars in applied linguistics, discourse studies, sociolinguistics, linguistic anthropology, and transnational studies, among other disciplines, in dialogue about the understanding of narrative as object of study in migration contexts.
- To discuss different methodological approaches to narrative and transnationalism, globalisation, and diaspora.
Abstract Proposals for papers and posters:
- The following information should be included: title, name of presenter, name and address of institution, telephone, and email. Please indicate whether the proposal is for a paper or a poster.
- Notification of acceptance decisions will be communicated via email by May 15th 2013.
- Papers will be allocated 20 minutes plus 10 minutes for questions.
- Posters sessions will be allocated 1 hour on each day of the seminar.
- Cost to attend: (includes lunch and tea/coffee): £50 to be paid in cash/personal check, on site.
- Student bursaries: five free registration fellowships are available to undergraduate/graduate students. A statement of interest (max 200 words) should be included with their application.