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In April 2004 the 15th Sociolinguistics Symposium, Europe's premier international conference on language in society, will return to Newcastle (UK) after 18 years. It will be hosted by the University of Newcastle upon Tyne. The organising committee includes colleagues from the University of Newcastle upon Tyne, Northumbria University, University of Sunderland, and University of Durham.

The Sociolinguistics Symposia were begun in the 1970s by a group of UK-based sociolinguists who saw the need for a fairly informal forum to discuss research findings and to debate theoretical and methodological issues concerning language in society. It has since grown into a large, international conference, typically attracting 400-500 participants. Prior to 2002, it took place exclusively within the UK. The first symposium in continental Europe was held in April 2002 and organised at the University of Ghent and the intention since then has been to alternate between a UK and continental European venue every 4 year cycle. In 1986, the University of Newcastle upon Tyne hosted the 6th Sociolinguistics Symposium. We are very pleased that it will return in 2004.

Conference Theme: Culture, Contact, and Change

Confirmed Keynote Speakers:

Local Organising Committee (* Principal Organisers):

Mr. Will Allen, University of Newcastle
*Dr. Joan Beal, University of Sheffield
*Dr. Karen Corrigan, University of Newcastle upon Tyne
Dr. Joan Cutting, University of Edinburgh
Dr. Gerry Docherty, University of Newcastle upon Tyne
Dr. Mark Garner, Northumbria University
Mr. Peter Grundy, Northumbria University
Dr. Ghada Khattab, University of Newcastle
*Professor Li Wei, University of Newcastle upon Tyne
Dr. Susan Mandala, University of Sunderland
Dr. Hermann Moisl, University of Newcastle upon Tyne
Dr. Christine Raschka, Northumbria University
Dr. Charley Rowe, University of Newcastle
Dr. Paul Seedhouse, University of Newcastle
Mr. Peter Sercombe, Northumbria University
Dr. Mary Talbot, University of Sunderland

We are extremely grateful for the efforts of the following former members of the Local Organising Committee:

Ms. Keiko Okumura, University of Sunderland
Ms. Angela Smith, University of Sunderland
Dr. Janet Watson, University of Durham

We are looking forward to meeting you in Newcastle upon Tyne.