12th Meeting of the European Association for Modern Arabic Literature (EURAMAL), June 2016, Oslo

This application asks NFR to help IKOS be the host of the 12th regular meeting, to be held in Oslo this time, of The European Association for Modern Arabic Literature (EURAMAL), the largest academic union of European specialists of modern Arabic literature. Like the 11 conferences that have been held (typically every second year) since the foundation of EURAMAL in 1992, the 2016 conference too is meant to serve the aim of promoting the critical analysis, discussion, and theorization of Arabic literature as an important source for our knowledge of the contemporary Arab world. This time, the overall topic and leading question of the meeting will be: "Upholding humanity in a posthuman world? Utopia and dystopia in contemporary Arabic literature" (draft title). Renowned researchers from up til 16 European countries as well as scholars and critics from the Arab world are expected to participate. And like earlier meetings, the 2016 Oslo conference too will serve as an important platform for the younger generation to debut, make contacts with "seniors" and start building their professional networks. Not a few EURAMAL members are also prolific translators of modern Arabic literature, contributing to making this highly relevant aspect of cultural expression known to western readerships. As in earlier years, the 2016 event will be inspiring in this respect too. The meeting will also strengthen contacts between academic research and the International Prize for Arabic Fiction - EURAMAL members often serve on the evaluation committee for this so-called "Arabic Booker", and there will be a conferenc panel on works shortlisted for this prestigious prize. As always, 2 prominent Arab writers will participate as guests of honour. A public event with the guest writers is meant to address a general, non-specialist public (reading, discussion). The conference proceedings, published with a leading international publisher, are believed to soon become a standard reference.