We are excited to organise LMI2026 that brings together voices from across disciplines and the wider communities to explore relationships between linguistic practices, migration, and identity construction.
Immigration is one of the most divisive contemporary topics in the UK. Amid the political, cultural, and societal challenges facing migrant communities, this event invites participants to critically reflect on how the linguistic and semiotic practices of multilingual migrants evolve as they navigate communicative events and construct their identities in the new environment. More specifically, we ask questions like: Is the importance of (British) English is repeatedly emphasised while the translanguaging practices of migrant communities are neglected and contradicted? Are migrants who do not speak ‘standard’ English mocked and discriminated against?
In addressing the event themes, we seek to move beyond traditional disciplinary boundaries and create a novel space to engage diverse researchers and community members. We hope to showcase the diverse range of qualitative, quantitative, and creative methods in exploring the lived experiences of migrants.
We are keen to have contributions from any field that examines, among others:
Translanguaging
Multilingualism and translingual practices
Linguistic landscapes
Multimodality
Art and migration
Identity, integration, and exclusion
Classroom practices and strategies
Social media discourses
AI and digital tools for multilingual education
Workplace and professional communication
Heritage and language maintenance
Linguistic revitalisation
Language policies
Abstracts should be submitted via this Google Form: https://forms.gle/f4zebrwDXhYmPhHS8
The language of the presentations is English.
Submission deadline: 18 May 2026, 23:59 (GMT) 26 May 2026, 23:59 (GMT)
Notification of review outcome: 29 May 2026 2 June 2026
Panel
The format of a panel is flexible, but we recommend having 3-5 speakers discuss a specific theme, with opportunities for audience participation. To ensure synchronisation across parallel sessions, each panel discussion should be 55 minutes long. Please submit a single abstract on behalf of all speakers, detailing the proposed structure, the motivation for the panel, the individual participants, and an abstract for each sub-presentation (if applicable). Abstracts should be a maximum of 600 words (excluding references, if applicable).
Presentation
This format is most suitable for submissions reporting on research or work with substantial findings to share. Each presentation is 20 minutes long, followed by 5 minutes for Q&A. Abstracts should be a maximum of 300 words (excluding references, if applicable).
Poster
This format is most suitable for submissions reporting on ongoing research or work, especially if visualisation would help present your work and that you would like to engage in informal conversations and receive ample feedback from the participants. Poster size should be A1. Abstracts should be a maximum of 150 words (excluding references, if applicable).
Lightning Talk
This format is most suitable for submissions reporting on an intriguing idea, or highlight the significance of your research or work. Each presentation is 5 minutes. Only a single static PowerPoint slide is permitted. Abstracts should be a maximum of 150 words (excluding references, if applicable).
Community Booth
This format is most suitable for participants who would like to set up a booth to encourage conversations and reflection on everyday language use, belonging, and change through short, accessible activities rather than formal presentations. For example, you may share stories of migrant communities in the form of leaflets, books, and postcards. You may also display artwork about and/or created by migrant communities. No sales activities are allowed. A space of approximately 1 m x 2 m, and two chairs, will be provided. These booths will be open to the public throughout the day. Please submit a booth description of no more than 300 words.
Note: We strongly encourage interdisciplinary collaboration and the participation of community members in creative formats. All of the formats above are open to everyone (not limited to academics). Please get in touch if you have any questions.