A conference in Riga will bring together folk narrative researchers from around the world
From 17 to 21 June 2024, the Institute of Literature, Folklore and Art of the University of Latvia (ILFA) will host the 19th Congress of the International Society for Folk Narrative Research (ISFNR), bringing together researchers of both traditional tales, fairy tales, legends, and stories as well as contemporary narratives from around the world to discuss how global events are reflected in our everyday storytelling.
Over the past decade, the world has undergone profound changes: the COVID-19 pandemic, Russia’s war in Ukraine, the rapid rise of artificial intelligence, and the increasingly tangible impact of climate change are just a few of the factors that have transformed our lifestyles, everyday behavior, thinking, and communication. These shifts have manifested in migration, urbanization, and digitalization, while also intensifying social polarization and radicalization. Such processes also reverberate in folk narratives, transforming their forms, content, functions, performance, and circulation. To reflect academically on how and why everyday narratives have changed, the theme of this year’s ISFNR Congress is “Folk Narratives in a Changing World.”
The ISFNR Congress, held once every four years, has this time been entrusted to ILFA at the University of Latvia. Hosting the congress in Riga not only gathers folk narrative researchers from around the world and highlights the culture of storytelling in Latvia, but also marks the 100th anniversary of the Archives of Latvian Folklore on an international scale.
The congress will bring together more than 150 scholars from 29 countries, representing Europe as well as the USA, Canada, China, Japan, India, Argentina, and many others. An equally wide range of topics will be presented in parallel sessions over four days, enabling participants to explore both the commonalities and differences of folk narratives across societies worldwide.
👉 The full program is available here: en.lfk.lv/isfnr2024-program
The Institute of Literature, Folklore and Art expresses its gratitude for cooperation and support in organizing the congress to the State Cultural Capital Foundation, the University of Latvia, Riga City Council, the association Cultus, and the Nordic Culture Point project Heritage and Future Network.
