Language Education in Times of Change
Transnationalism, Criticality, and Innovation
April 16, 2027
Join language educators, researchers, and practitioners for a day of critical dialogue, innovative scholarship, and professional exchange.
Keynote Speaker: Dr. Yongyan Zheng, Fudan University
Proposal submission deadline: September 30, 2026
About the Conference
Rooted in Duke Kunshan University’s vision of globalism and its “In China, For the World” mission, the LCC 2027 Conference explores the rapidly changing landscape of transnational higher education.
Language educators today are responding to growing global interconnectedness, evolving intercultural demands, and the emergence of AI-enabled learning environments. These developments invite us to reconsider established approaches to language teaching and learning while creating new opportunities for critical inquiry and pedagogical innovation.
Under the theme “Language Education in Times of Change: Transnationalism, Criticality, and Innovation,” the conference brings together educators, researchers, and practitioners to examine how language education can respond thoughtfully and creatively to change. It also considers how educators can help learners become resilient, critically minded global citizens prepared for an interconnected future.
Call for Proposals
We invite proposals that engage with the conference theme from theoretical, empirical, or practice-based perspectives.
Submissions may address the following areas or other related topics:
- Innovative approaches to language learning, teaching, and assessment
- Writing and literacy education
- Policy, power, and linguistic diversity
- Literature, culture, and translation education
- AI and technology in language, culture, and teacher education
- Criticality, identity, and society
- Media and cross-cultural encounters
- Transnationalism, mobility, and globalization
- Culturally responsive language education
Proposals that explore connections across multiple areas are also welcome.
Presentation Formats
Paper Presentation
Paper presentations report on original research, scholarly inquiry, or innovative educational practice.
Each presentation will be allocated 20 minutes:
- 15 minutes for the presentation
- 5 minutes for discussion
The shorter presentation format is intended to create more opportunities for discussion and professional exchange during and between sessions.
Proposal requirements
Please include:
- Presentation title of no more than 15 words
- Abstract of no more than 250 words
- Presenter name or names
- Institutional affiliation or affiliations
- Contact information for the presenter or presenters
Panel
A panel brings together three or four related paper presentations around a shared topic or question.
Each panel will be allocated 60 minutes, including presentations and discussion.
Proposal requirements
Please include:
Panel overview
- Panel title of no more than 15 words
- Panel abstract of no more than 150 words
For each individual paper
- Paper title of no more than 15 words
- Paper abstract of no more than 250 words
- Presenter name or names
- Institutional affiliation or affiliations
- Contact information for the presenter or presenters
Interactive Poster Session
Interactive poster sessions are designed to encourage direct conversation and exchange between presenters and conference participants.
Proposal requirements
Please include:
- Poster title of no more than 15 words
- Proposal of no more than 200 words
- Presenter name or names
- Institutional affiliation or affiliations
- Contact information for the presenter or presenters
Submit Your Proposal
Please submit proposals by scanning the QR code or using this link: https://duke.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_b7oXVI9Ghn7iIE6
Conference registration fee: 500RMB (faculty)/300RMB (students). Registration instructions and payment information will be shared later.
Important Dates
- Proposal submission deadline: September 30, 2026
- Notification of acceptance: November 2026
- Conference date: April 16, 2027
About the LCC
The Language and Culture Center (LCC) is the academic division in Duke Kunshan University responsible for offering language courses, especially courses in English for Academic Purposes (EAP), Chinese as a Second Language (CSL), and Additional Language courses. The LCC also offers advanced courses in written and oral communication skills. Through the Writing and Language Studio, the LCC provides individualized coaching for Duke Kunshan students, staff and faculty.
Questions?
For questions about the conference or proposal submission process, please contact:
LCC Conference Organizing Committee: LCC_Conference@dukekunshan.edu.cn