Call for Papers:

The Third Biannual U-M International Conference on Arabic Applied Linguistics
September 5-6, 2020

The conference is an open forum for scholars interested in empirically exploring topics and issues in Arabic applied linguistics.


The topics of the conference cover three mains strands:

I. Topics which deal with Arabic second language acquisition (SLA). Current approaches for investigating the different aspects (phonology, vocabulary, morphology, syntax, morphosyntax, semantics, pragmatics, etc.) of Arabic SLA include but not limited to:

- Formal (generative, functional, typological)
- Cognitive (processability, attention, noticing and awareness)
- Input-based (input processing; input, interaction and output)
- Frequency and usage-based
- Corpus-based
- L1 transfer
- L2 transfer
- Sociocultural
- Sociocognitive
- Language socialization
- Neurolinguistic
- Discourse, Conversation analysis
- Code-switching
- Diglossia
- Ideology
- Identity
- Heritage

II. Topics which deal with the theory and practice of Arabic second/foreign language teaching, second language learning, second language proficiency testing and assessment as well as the interface and connections between them include but not limited to:

- Application of classroom approaches or specific techniques to develop language skills and components (speaking, listening, reading, writing, culture, vocabulary, grammar, pronunciation, accuracy, fluency, etc. )
- Assessment of individual differences and external variables (aptitude, anxiety, attitude, distance, motivation, learner’s perception, etc.)
- L2 maintenance and attrition
- Learning strategies
- Local versus study-abroad environment
- Curriculum design and assessment
- Foreign language learning assessment
- Proficiency testing (speaking, listening, reading, and writing)
- Second language acquisition-second language pedagogy interface
- Second language acquisition-testing interface
- Teacher cognition
- Teacher education
- Technology-mediated learning and teaching

III. Topics which deal with applied research related to Arabic as an L1, including:

- Arabic first language acquisition (investigating the different aspects including phonology, morphology, syntax, morphosyntax, semantics, pragmatics, etc.)
- Arabic L1 Literacy (including child and adult), reading, and writing
- Analysis of interaction and communication including discourse, conversation, signs, and gestures
- Bilingualism and multilingualism
- code-switching
- Corpus linguistics
- Forensic linguistics
- Language and culture, and socialization
- Language and identity
- Language and ideology
- Language and technology
- Language cognition and processing
- Language impairment and language pathology
- Language maintenance and attrition
- Language policy and language planning
- Neurolinguistic research

Location:
University of Michigan, Ann Arbor

Languages of the conference:
English and Arabic

Abstract submission:
To present a paper, an abstract is required: https://sites.lsa.umich.edu/arabic-sla-conference/submissions

Deadline for Receipt of Abstracts:
March 1, 2020

Notification of abstract acceptance:
March 25, 2020

Publication:
Following the conference, papers which are recommended by external peer reviewers will be published in Al-‘Arabiyya journal.

Confirmed Speakers:

- Karin Ryding
- Daniel Reed
- Sami Boudelaa

Conference Advisory Committee:

- Abdulkafi Albirini
- Sami Boudelaa
- Brahim Chakrani
- Dris Soulaimani
- Mohammad Alhawary

Registration: Registration is free:
https://sites.lsa.umich.edu/arabic-sla-conference/registration

Conference website:
https://sites.lsa.umich.edu/arabic-sla-conference/call-for-papers