Apologies for multiple postings - Linguistic Association of Canada and the United States Association de Linguistique du Canada et des Etats-Unis THE THIRTY-SECOND LACUS FORUM Dartmouth College, Hanover, New Hampshire August 2-6 (Tuesday-Saturday), 2005 Conference Theme: NETWORKS This general theme includes: Relational Networks Systemic Networks Semantic Networks Social Networks Artificial Neural Networks Real Neural Networks Augmented Transition Networks Computer modeling of networks Parallel Processing Distributed processing X degrees of separation Network (vs. tree) representation in Historical Linguistics Networks of beliefs Special Sessions are planned on subordinate themes: (1) Computer Simulation of Network Operation (2) Neurolinguistics (3) Linguistics vis-a-vis "hard" science CALL FOR PAPERS LACUS especially invites abstracts relating to the conference theme but also welcomes abstracts on other linguistic topics. As is traditional at LACUS meetings, papers are welcome on any aspect of general and interdisciplinary linguistics, including contributions representing or proposing innovative ideas or unpopular views. SYMPOSIA, WORKSHOPS, TUTORIALS Papers (and suggestions) are especially invited for the three special sessions being planned: (1) Computer Simulation of Network Operation (2) Neurolinguistics (3) Linguistics vis-a-vis "hard" science Please contact David Bennett <db@xxxxxxxxxx> or Syd Lamb (lamb@xxxxxxxx) right away with your ideas. GUIDELINES FOR ABSTRACTS Papers accepted for the program will be scheduled for either 15 minutes or 25 minutes, with 5 minutes allowed for discussion. Due Date for Abstracts: 15 January 2005. Earlier submission is strongly encouraged. Maximum length: 400 words (not including references). References should be limited to two or three (additional references may be included on a separate page but will not appear in the meeting handbook.) Do not include tables or figures in the abstract. Anonymity: The abstract should not identify the author(s). What to Submit: Please submit abstracts only by e-mail. Preferably, send the abstract as an e-mail attachment in Word, WordPerfect, or rich text format. Accompanying Information: In the body of your e-mail (not part of the attachment) send the following information: 1. Author's name(s) and affiliation(s). 2. Title of paper. 3. Presentation time desired -- 15 or 25 minutes. 4. Audio-visual equipment required (beyond overhead projector). 5. Eligibility for prize (if applicable -- see below). 6. Name a topic (or two topics) to identify the area(s) in which your paper lies. Choose a topic name from the list above, or feel free to name another topic if your abstract does not fit any of these topics. Where to Submit: David C. Bennett <db@xxxxxxxxxx> (Or, if no e-mail access: Department of Linguistics SOAS, University of London Russell Square London, WC1H 0XG England) DESIRABLE PROPERTIES OF ABSTRACTS Evaluators of abstracts will appreciate your attention to these desiderata: Informative but brief title Clear statement of the problem or questions addressed Clear statement of the main point(s) or argument(s) Informative examples Clear indication of relevance to related work Avoidance of jargon and polemic References to literature (not included in 400-word limit) ELIGIBILITY You do not have to be a member of LACUS to submit an abstract. If your abstract is accepted, you must be a member to present your paper at the meeting. Members will automatically receive the publication resulting from the conference. PRESIDENTS' PRIZES Continuing a tradition started by the late Kenneth Pike, a committee consisting of the President, the President-Elect, and former Presidents of LACUS will select the winner of the annual Presidents' Prize, with an award of $500, for 'the best paper' by a junior scholar. For purposes of this prize, 'junior scholar' is defined as one who has had a doctoral degree or its equivalent for less than five years. The Presidents' Predoctoral prize, with an award of $100, will be given for 'the best paper' by a student who has not yet received a doctor's degree. For purposes of these prizes, 'best paper' is defined as that which in the judgement of the committee makes the most important contribution to knowledge. Organization and presentation and the quality of the abstract are also considered. The prizes will be awarded at the annual banquet, to be held at the end of the meeting, Saturday, August 6th. Only single-authored presentations will be considered for prizes. A person who has won the same prize twice is no longer eligible. Junior scholars and predoctoral scholars should identify their status in the e-mail message sent in with the abstracts, to indicate their eligibility for one of the prizes. FINANCIAL AID Thanks to the Ruth Brend Memorial Fund, limited assistance may be available for scholars from countries with weak currencies who submit strong abstracts. For information, contact the Conference Committee Chair, David Bennett. PUBLICATION A panel of referees will select certain papers presented at the meeting for publication, with appropriate revisions, in LACUS Forum XXXII. VENUE Dartmouth College, a distinguished old Ivy League institution, is located in Hanover, New Hampshire. Nearby airports are in Lebanon and Manchester, New Hampshire, and in Burlington, Vermont. The "Dartmouth Bus" takes passengers to Dartmouth from the Boston Airport at regular intervals. Details will appear on the LACUS website, at www.lacus.org. ACCOMMODATIONS Low-cost housing will be available on campus, and accommodations will also be available at the Hanover Inn, across the street from campus, and in nearby motels. Watch the lacus web site (www.lacus.org) for further information. FURTHER INFORMATION Updated conference information will be posted to the LACUS website at approximately the beginning of every month from now until July next. See http://www.lacus.org. Detailed information will be sent to all LACUS members and to nonmember authors of accepted abstracts in March. ADDRESS QUESTIONS about the conference program to David C. Bennett <db@xxxxxxxxxx> ADDRESS QUESTIONS about Dartmouth College to the local host: Tim Pulju -- Timothy.J.Pulju@xxxxxxxxxxxxx CONFERENCE COMMITTEE: David C. Bennett, SOAS, London, Chair Lilly Chen, Rice University Connie Eble, University of North Carolina Sheila Embleton, York University Toby Griffen, Southern Illinois University, Edwardsville Sydney Lamb, Rice University Tim Pulju, Dartmouth College Bill Spruiell, Central Michigan University Lois Stanford, University of Alberta William J Sullivan, U Wroclawski & U Marii Curie-Sklodowskiej