The 2024 Language, Regional Expertise and Culture (LREC) Symposium committee invites proposals for individual or panel presentations at the 9th Annual Air University LREC Symposium, to be held in person November 13 – 15 at Air University on Maxwell Air Force Base, Montgomery, Alabama.
The Air Force Culture and Language Center (AFCLC) invites proposals for individual or panel presentations at the 9th Annual Air University Language, Regional Expertise and Culture (LREC) Symposium, to be held in person November 13 – 15 at Air University on Maxwell Air Force Base, Montgomery, Alabama. With this year’s theme, “Engaging the Global Landscape: Collaboration, Competition, and Culture,” we will explore the complex dynamics of global interactions by emphasizing the importance of culturally competent approaches to collaboration and competition in an increasingly interconnected world
The Symposium serves as a premier gathering for LREC professionals both within and outside the Air Force. The conference provides a platform for academic exchange by topic experts throughout the DoD and academia, on topics specific to cultural studies, regional expertise, and language education in the military. CSAF General David Allvin has noted that “America’s national security focus is crucial as we navigate this new global landscape with our allies and partners, especially as opportunities for distraction and confusion are increasingly exploited.” This call to action emphasizes the importance of cooperation and shared understandings and is in line with the U.S. national security strategy’s emphasis on the fundamental importance of building alliances and partnerships. Language, Regional Expertise and Culture (LREC) knowledge is key to preparing our personnel for such complex global landscapes, and conscientious and competent engagement depends on LREC-enabled mindsets and skill sets.
We seek submissions that address topics specifically included under LREC, such as language teaching and learning, sociolinguistics, culture (culture-general and/or culture-specific matters), and regional affairs; that offer insights on or critically analyze practices, policies and values that bolster relationships with global allies and partners; or that relate to managing strategic competition more generally. Some questions that may inform submissions include, but are not limited to: In what ways do American cultural assumptions shape our approach to working internationally and in intercultural contexts? How does the interplay of geographic realities and global connectivity affect our understanding of cultural and regional issues? How do we better integrate the cultures and histories of marginalized and peripheral groups when teaching and researching great powers? We especially welcome international perspectives on these and other questions, and are open to methods and approaches from disciplines across the academic spectrum, including but not limited to the social sciences, history, andragogy, political science, psychology, organizational studies, and cognitive science. Each presenter is limited to two submissions. Deadline for submissions is June 30th, 2024.
Submitting an individual presentation abstract:
Individuals will be allotted 25 minutes to present (20-minute presentation and 5 minutes of Q&A). The committee will assign individual presenters into panels (or blocks) of 3 that run for 75 minutes.
Submitting a Panel Abstract
Each panel will have a total of 75 minutes for panel presentations and Q&A.
Proposals may be accepted if they demonstrate that substantial critical thinking has been applied in the creation of an organized framework showcasing the results of original research or experience-based insights. Successful proposals will articulate an original idea, even if this idea is in an early draft form, that is grounded in evidence which renders the resulting argument more of a working contribution to knowledge than simply a well-formed opinion.
You can also download the optional AU LREC Symposium Power Point template for building your presentation
Submit a Proposal Download Slide Template