On October 15–16, 2026, the Department of English and American Studies at the Faculty of Arts of UPJŠ hosted the 5th International Conference on Multilingual and Multicultural Learning: Policies and Practices. The conference explored key issues related to bilingualism, multilingualism, intercultural communication, and language policies in multilingual environments. Against the backdrop of globalization and the growing influence of digital technologies, discussions also addressed multilingualism in digital media and its role in literature and translation. These topics highlighted the evolving nature of language practices and the importance of examining multilingualism from interdisciplinary perspectives.
A significant part of the conference program featured plenary lectures by leading experts in bilingualism and multilingualism from renowned international academic institutions. The plenary speakers included Zhu Hua and Li Wei from University College London (United Kingdom), Elizabeth Lanza from the University of Oslo (Norway), Mila Schwartz from Oranim Academic College of Education (Israel), and Juldyz Smagulova from KIMEP University (Kazakhstan). Their contributions underscored the conference’s international and interdisciplinary character and highlighted the importance of current research on multilingualism across diverse social and educational contexts.
The conference, which brought together participants from 23 countries, provided a platform for exchanging research findings, sharing professional expertise, and deepening understanding of how bilingual and multilingual speakers navigate linguistic and cultural boundaries in contemporary society. It also highlighted the importance of multilingual competencies in education, intercultural dialogue, social inclusion, and international communication.
doc. Mgr. Renáta Timková, PhD.
