International conference
After Writing Back.
Present and Future Perspectives in Postcolonial Studies.www.unibg.it/AWBconference09

University of Bergamo, Italy 13-15 October 2009

Hosted by:
University of Bergamo
Faculty of Modern Languages and Literatures
PhD in Euro-American Literatures/Doctoral School of Humanities
(Partner of the European PhDNet "Literary and Cultural Studies")

Twenty years ago Bill Ashcroft, Gareth Griffith and Hellen Tiffen published their groundbreaking The Empire Strikes Back. The conference purpose is not to celebrate a contribution whose significance is beyond discussion, or simply to upgrade its re-assessment, but to follow up the lines that have been opened by this seminal work. We would like to rethink the possibilities and problems now facing the field of Postcolonial studies. Ashcroft, Griffith and Tiffin themselves ahve broadened their focus to fruitful areas such as Globalization, the Environment, the Sacred, or the 'Human.'

Postcolonial societies (both colonizer and colonized) have transformed cultures and languages. The negotiation of power relationships engaged by first and Third World cultures has shaped new identities, at the same time suggested a compelling revision of Modernity.

The conference will explore the relevance of the Postcolonial perspective in engaging with these and more issues. Papers may focus on these and other related topics:

• relations between postcolonialism and globalization, modernity, environment, ecocriticism
• postcolonial literature and new forms of resistance
• literary language, English(es), native languages, linguistic identities

Confirmed Keynote speakers: Bill Ashcroft, Gareth Griffith, Helen Tiffin

20-30 minute papers are welcome
300-400 word proposals may be submitted by 30 June 2009 to:

flaminia.nicora@unibg.it

Please include yoru name and affilitation, a short bio and e-mail address.

Convener: Flaminia Nicora - University of Bergamo Italy