Discourse-Pragmatic Variation & Change 2

Discourse-Pragmatic Variation & Change (DiPVaC) is a biennial international conference series which was devised to further the quantitative analysis of variation and change at the level of discourse-pragmatics. Following the success of DiPVaC1 in 2012, we are pleased to announce that DiPVaC2 will be held between 7 and 9 April 2014 at Newcastle University, UK.

DiPVaC2 provides a platform for the presentation of cutting-edge research into variation and change in the use of items and constructions often referred to as discourse markers or pragmatic particles whose primary functions are interpersonal and textual (e.g. well, like, you know, comme, alors, doch, zwar, diciamo, dakedo). It also provides a forum for the formation of new international and multidisciplinary research networks exploring the theoretical and social importance of quantitative research into discourse-pragmatic variation and change. The conference will bring together participants from across the world to achieve multiple aims:

  • to discuss methodological, empirical and theoretical advancements in the analysis of variation and change in the use of discourse-pragmatic features;
  • to examine the social implications and applications of research into the use of these features;
  • to promote the field of discourse variation analysis within and beyond linguistics.

The confirmed plenary speakers at DiPVaC2 are:

  • Liesbeth Degand (University of Louvain): Variation in discourse marker use: Position matters
  • Stephen Levey (University of Ottawa): Title TBA
  • Sali Tagliamonte (University of Toronto): Obsolescence and innovation in discourse-pragmatic change: The view from Canada

To promote collaboration across disciplines, Ashley Hesson (Michigan State University, US) and Heike Pichler (Newcastle University, UK) are organising a workshop ‌which explores the  societal relevance of discourse variation research, with a specific focus on healthcare settings.   

Important dates

Deadline for submission of abstracts: 31 October 2013

Notification of acceptance: by 31 December 2013

Conference: 7 to 9 April 2014