Call for papers for a symposium to be held at the Australian National University on 8–9 April 2027.

This symposium proposes to explore the various ways in which women’s knowledge has historically circulated, from considering the ways that women speak and use language, to the transmission of cultural traditions and stories. Women’s knowledge has historically been marginalised, existed outside of institutions, and/or been shaped by its subaltern position. Yet in this marginalisation, women have found ways to generate, mobilise and make use of knowledge and to have their voices heard.

We invite papers that address any aspect of this symposium’s broad focus. Proposed papers may relate to any historical period or geographical location, and may arise from a range of disciplinary backgrounds, including history, linguistics, sociology, literary studies, or gender studies. We particularly welcome submissions from early career and HDR scholars. Possible topics include:

• Women’s diverse interactions with language, especially colloquial language;
• Feminist voices, knowledges, activism, and archives;
• Family histories and traditions and the role of women as guardians and transmitters;
• Women’s voices, language, and knowledge in the public sphere, including media, politics, or entertainment;
• Gendered aspects of language and speech across time;
• Women as writers, editors, performers, broadcasters, linguists, or lexicographers;
• Formal and informal gatekeeping and censorship of women’s language and knowledge;
• Transmission of Indigenous women’s knowledges and languages;
• Women and the folklore movement;
• Queer and trans histories, knowledge, and language.

Please submit a 300-500 word abstract to Amanda.laugesen@anu.edu.au or karen.fox@anu.edu.au by 30 September 2026.

Two travel bursaries of up to $500 will be available for postgraduate students. Priority will be given to those who do not have access to other funding. If you would like to be considered for a travel bursary to assist with your attendance, please submit a budget and justification of funding requested along with your abstract.

This symposium is funded by ARC DP250101265 Uncovering Hidden Histories of Women and Colloquial Language in Australia