CFP: ISFNR Research Symposium at Kenyatta University in Nairobi, Kenya, September 2-4, 2008

CALL FOR PAPERS

INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY FOR FOLK NARRATIVE RESEARCH SYMPOSIUM AT KENYATTA UNIVERSITY IN NAIROBI, KENYA

September 2-4 2008

Kenyatta University, Nairobi, Kenya – is hosting the 2008 International Society for Folk Narrative Symposium between 2 and 4 September 2008. Kenyatta University is located in a quiet, serene environment about 20 kilometres North of the capital city, Nairobi. It has a student population about 23000 and is the second oldest and largest university in Kenya after the University of Nairobi. Kenyatta University is arguably the most cultural University in the region. This is not only because it runs vibrant culture based disciplines like anthropology, literature, sociology and religion but because it also presides over the annual Cultural Week, one of the most elaborate cultural fetes in the country.

The organizing committee is putting in place a programme that is a combination of academic work and social events that will include theatre and cultural performances, and an excursion that will expose participants to local culture. The excursion will include a visit to the Bomas of Kenya where participants will have a guided tour of the Bomas – traditional huts of different ethnic groups in Kenya – as well as watch a performance by the Bomas of Kenya Dance Troupe. There will also be a short paper presentation on Kenyan culture. Participants will also have a guided tour of the Kenya National Archives, the National Museums of Kenya and the Karen Blixen Museum and Butterly Park.

The local organizing committee is working with Jet Travel to organize pre-conference as well as post-conference tours. These are aimed at introducing participants to the rich scenery and beauty of Kenya through its people, wildlife and landscape. A description of the different packages available to the scholars and the cost are contained in the attachment we are sending with this call for abstracts. We encourage you to communicate directly with Jet Travel on the tours.

The theme of the Symposium is:

Folk Narrative: Genres, Social Function and Cultural Arenas.

The Sub-Themes are:

  1. Narrating Belief
  2. Cognitive Worlds
  3. Cultural Arenas of Folk Narration
  4. Inter-Generic Relations
  5. Genres as Orientation Frames
  6. Construction of Social Realities

All abstracts should be sent so as to reach the secretary by April 30 2008.

Participation Fee for Scholars and Accompanying Person is:

  1. Kshs.5000 for African Scholars
  2. US$200 for all other scholars

Ways of Payment:

  1. Checks in payment of registration fee should be paid to Kenyatta University
  2. Early Registration up to 30th April US dollars 185
  3. Registration during the Symposium US dollars 200
  4. Accompanying persons US dollars 150

Registration during the Symposium will be in cash.

The fee will enable us offer the following services to the participants: Excursion, Ticket to watch Theatre and Cultural Performances, Lunches, Refreshments at 10.00 a.m. and 4.00 p.m. and a Concluding Banquet.

Accommodation

Details on accommodation will be communicated in the next circular.

The Symposium address is:

KENYATTA UNIVERSITY
LITERATURE DEPARTMENT
P.O. BOX 43844
NAIROBI
KENYA
Tel: +25420819901 Ext. 454
+254720614407
Email: ebalembi@yahoo.com

Organizing Committee:

Dr. Ezekiel Alembi - Chairman
Dr. Mbugua Mungai - Secretary
Dr. Waveney Olembo - Treasurer
Prof. Francis Imbuga
Prof. Muigai Wa Gachanaja
Prof. Kitula King’ei
Mr. Peter Mugambi
Dr. Beatrice Digolo