Subject: [SOAS] Conference: Making a Difference:
Representing/Constructing the Other in Asian/African Media, Cinema and
Languages on 16-18 February 2012 at SOAS, University of London
Date: Tue, 6 Dec 2011 15:30:29 +0000
From: Jane Savory <[log in to unmask]>
To: [log in to unmask]
References:
<[log in to unmask]>
*Annual Conference for the Consortium for African and Asian Studies (CAAS)*
*
*
*Making a Difference – Representing/Constructing the Other in
Asian/African Media, Cinema and Languages*
*16-18 February 2012*
Khalili Lecture Theatre, SOAS, University of London
Each individual has the need to define ‘the Other’ in opposition to
oneself. Theories on Otherness such as Lacan’s or Simmel’s, emphasize
that ‘we’ need ‘them’ to define our own identities. This need to define
oneself can also be taken to a broader socio-cultural level, where the
construction of Otherness is used in order to define who belongs to a
respective culture and society, who belongs to a region, an ethnic group
or a nation. Choosing who to include and who to exclude, helps to create
a sense of unity and identity. In our globalising world, representations
of Otherness grow increasingly influential and the issues more
complicated, with implications for international relations. Otherness,
serving as a sphere of projection for the desires of oneself, can assume
multiple roles. As the threatening, enemy-like Other, as a refuge, as
role-model, the appropriations are numerous, but all of them are united
by the fact that the Other assumes the shape required by those who are
creating this Other to contrast or complement their Self. Otherness is
also constructed by language (i.e. what characters say and how they say
it). Reflection on the representation/construction in the media can
also help individuals gain understanding of languages, cultures and
intercultural communication.
The aim of the conference is to bring together scholars from across the
world to discuss the representations of 'Otherness' in Asian and African
media cultures. The usual focus of research on Otherness is the gaze of
the Other towards the West or vice versa, but rarely is research
concerned with images that non-Western societies have of other
non-Western societies. Consequently, we shall explore how Otherness is
constructed when the ‘Other’ cannot be considered as totally 'alien',
but when familiarity might also be of vital importance.
_*Programme*_
Provisional Programme
<http://www.soas.ac.uk/centresoffice/events/making-a-difference/file72881.pdf>
_*Admission*_
All participants have to register. Further details
<http://www.soas.ac.uk/centresoffice/events/making-a-difference/16feb2012-making-a-difference--representingconstructing-the-other-in-asianafrican-media-cinema-and-l.html#Programme>
_Conference Fee_
* Free for all CAAS members and invited speakers: Consortium for
Asian and African Studies (CAAS) member
<https://docs.google.com/a/soas.ac.uk/spreadsheet/viewform?hl=en_US&formkey=dGN3ZU1PbUFRaC1fMXEzQ0NDOXBkYlE6MQ#gid=0>.
Further information about CAAS member institutions
<http://ofias.jp/caas/member-inst/index.html>.
* £40 Non-CAAS members. On-line registration
<http://store.soas.ac.uk/browse/extra_info.asp?modid=1&prodid=736&deptid=19&compid=1&prodvarid=0&catid=79>.
_Cancellation and refund policy_
Cancellations must be reported in writing to the Conference Manager,
Jane Savory on [log in to unmask] <mailto:[log in to unmask]>. Cancellations
must be received by 2 February 2012 in which case registration fees will
be refunded, less a £5 processing fee. No refund will be given to
cancellations received after 2 February 2012.
_*Enquiries*_
Contact email: [log in to unmask] <mailto:[log in to unmask]>
Contact Tel: 020 7898 4892/3
Web: www.soas.ac.uk/centresoffice/events/
<http://www.soas.ac.uk/centresoffice/events/>
Sponsor: British Academy and the SOAS Faculty of Languages and Cultures
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