The Changing Nature: New Perspectives from Anthropology and Linguistics on the Relationship Between Human Societies and Their Ecosystem
22-24 avr. 2026
Roscoff Oceanographic center - Roscoff (France)
Anthropogenic ecosystem changes are affecting many societies, which are experiencing biodiversity loss as well as the arrival and proliferation of unfamiliar life forms. The adaptation of human activities to this “new nature” (Tsing et al., 2025a) is a rich field of study for both the humanities and the life sciences. However, little research has examined this issue from the perspective of language. Organised to mark the LACITO's fiftieth anniversary, this conference seeks to explore ecological upheavals through that linguistic lens. On the one hand, insofar as these ecological transformations lead to the disappearance of animal and plant species, it is important to assess the impact of these losses on human knowledge of ecosystems (Kik et al., 2021). This includes the lexicon and knowledge of biodiversity, practical know-how and their transmission, and representations and discourses related to fauna and flora. On the other hand, the introduction of new species into local communities, whether intentional or accidental, involves the entry or creation of new terms in local languages. It also brings about new uses, forms of knowledge and representations that, in turn, enrich the imagination.
Discipline scientifique :
Lieu de la conférence