Call for Papers for NEMLA 2009: http://www.nemla.org/convention/cfp08.html


Northeast Modern Language Association Conference
Hyatt Regency, Boston, Massachusetts
Feb. 26 – March 1, 2009
“THE LOCATION AND DISLOCATION OF SWISS LITERATURE”
Submitted by Margrit Zinggeler
Eastern Michigan University

This panel searches for new topographies in the Swiss literary scene, as the hegemony of the traditional four language culture is challenged by a palette of ethnical minorities making their home in Switzerland. According to Homi K. Bhabha the central postulate in the age of hybridity is the creation of new spaces, frames, crevices and also a portrayal of double images in order deal with cultural differences. As a new generation of minorities, so-called secondos (second generation immigrants) deal with the ambivalences of discrimination and integration, young authors write of their otherness that is fused with Swissness (e.g. Perikles Monioudis, Martin R. Dean) and the variety of heritage locations where they seek identity. On the other hand, many Swiss writers emigrate, e.g. to Ireland (Hansjörg Schertenleib, Gabrielle Alioth), Italy (Mariella Mehr), Canada (Verena Stefan) or spend several years abroad (e.g. Milena Moser, eight years in San Francisco) to expand subjectivity and find identity in dislocation which is mirrored in their writings.
In former centuries, Swiss literature was included in the literature of neighboring states of the same language. Max Frisch and Friedrich Dürrenmatt were clearly associated with German literature. The authors from the French-part of Switzerland included in French literature, as well as the Italian-writing authors in Italian literature. With the plurality of writers writing in a truly multicultural mélange society and with texts flowing home from Swiss authors who write from their chosen exile, Swiss literature is transformed by the influence of location and dislocation.
NEMLA is the only conference in the US that has a standing tradition of Swiss Literature session for 40 years. Therefore, it is significant that we offer this year not only a session in German Swiss Literature, but also a session which focuses on the other two major languages of Switzerland, French and Italian.
It is suggested that papers also include comparative aspects with the larger language community and/or European or global developments in literature.
We hope to receive quality papers for two or more language specific sessions (see short abstracts below for:

Session 1: The Location and Dislocation of German Swiss Literature
Session 2: The Location and Dislocation of French and Italian Swiss Literature