Call for Papers
We are inviting additional contributions to a book publication entitled
"From the Margins to the Centre: Irish Germanists on Swiss Culture and
Literature", edited by Patrick Studer and Sabine Egger. It will be
co-sponsored by Pro Helvetia, The Embassy of Switzerland, Dublin, and the
Centre for Irish-German Studies, University of Limerick. We are currently
negotiating a publishing contract.
The volume brings together papers read by Germanists from various
universities in Ireland at a conference held in Mary Immaculate College,
University of Limerick, in March 2004. The conference arose from the desire
to contribute to the cultural and intellectual exchange between Switzerland
and Ireland, which has been largely absent from German-Irish studies to
date. With its specific focus on Switzerland and Swiss-Irish relations, the
book intends to bring this area from the 'margin' into the centre of
scholarly attention. The individual contributions provide a fresh
perspective on both Switzerland and Ireland, by taking Ireland as their
vantage point.
At first sight, Ireland and Switzerland may seem very different places.
Ireland tends to be perceived geographically and culturally as a place
apart, located on the western margin of Europe, culturally and economically
tending toward Boston rather than Berlin. Switzerland, on the other hand, is
often called "the heart of Europe". However, there are striking parallels
between Switzerland and Ireland: Both countries are small and are challenged
to find and secure their place in Europe; both countries have lived in the
shade of larger neighbouring countries for centuries while sharing their
languages with them; both countries have been criticised and praised for the
peculiarities of their people. The common ground between Switzerland and
Ireland thus reaches beyond political and historical links. It is also
reflected in Swiss and Irish cultural perceptions and collective attitudes.
The current range of contributions comprises literary, linguistic and
cultural-anthropological topics, with a focus on the 20th Century. These
range from the role of ethnic minorities to trends in contemporary poetry.
We welcome further contributions by researchers based in Ireland, which
accentuate the role of Swiss culture within Europe and the German-speaking
community today, while emphasising links and parallels between Ireland and
Switzerland. These may, within the broad thematic focus, take different
theoretical approaches and/or reach further back into history with regard to
their topic.
Abstracts of 250 words should be sent as email attachments to both Sabine
Egger ([log in to unmask] <mailto:[log in to unmask]>) and Patrick
Studer ([log in to unmask] <mailto:[log in to unmask]>), Dept of
German Studies, Mary Immaculate College, University of Limerick by
31.8.2004.
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