Borders and Fluidity, Possibilities and Challenges

8.-10. April
Join NNFF11 at the University of Akureyri to discuss borders, fluidity, and the future of first and second language education
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Welcome to the NNFF11 Conference at the University of Akureyri, Iceland, 8–10 April 2027.

The conference is organised by the Faculty of Education and the Centre of School Development at the University of Akureyri.

We are delighted to invite researchers, teacher educators, and practitioners to gather in Akureyri in the North of Iceland to explore current developments in first and second language education. The conference provides a forum for scholarly dialogue, exchange of ideas, and collaboration across linguistic, cultural, and national borders. We look forward to inspiring discussions and to welcoming you to our vibrant academic community.

About the Conference

The theme of the conference is Borders and Fluidity: Possibilities and Challenges.

We live in highly dynamic times where the movement of people across regions and countries is steadily increasing. The boundaries between nations, cultures, and languages are constantly shifting and, in many respects, becoming blurred. These developments bring both challenges and opportunities for first language didactics, particularly in relation to second language teaching.

The conference invites reflection on questions such as:

  • What is the role of the first language subject in this changing world?
  • How can first language education support—and be supported by—second language instruction?
  • What are the goals of the first language subject under current circumstances?
  • Which perspectives, theories, and approaches are most likely to help achieve these goals?
  • How do students perceive their first language and its role among other languages in society?

We invite research-based presentations that address the conference theme and its related issues. The conference is also open to contributions focusing on other aspects of first language education.

Keynote Speakers

We are pleased to announce the following keynote speakers:

The keynote speakers will address central aspects of the conference theme, offering perspectives on borders, fluidity, and the relationship between L1 and L2 education in contemporary multilingual contexts.

Call for Abstracts

We welcome abstracts for:

  • Individual paper presentations
  • Symposia

We recommend that each participant give no more than two presentations at the conference.

Important Dates

  • Abstract submission opens: 1 September 2026
  • Submission deadline: 30 October 2026
  • Notification of acceptance: 31 December 2026

All abstracts will undergo peer review.

Guidelines for Paper Presentations

Abstracts (200–300 words, excluding references) should include:

  • Aims
  • Research questions
  • Theoretical approach
  • Methods
  • (Preliminary) results

Please also include up to five keywords.

Presentation format: 20 minutes presentation + 10 minutes discussion.

Guidelines for Symposia

When proposing a symposium, please submit:

  1. A symposium overview abstract (200–300 words, excluding references)
    1. Summary of the overall topic or theme
    2. Name and affiliation of the chair
    3. Name(s) and affiliation(s) of possible discussant(s)
  2. An abstract for each individual presentation (200–300 words, excluding references), including:
    1. Aims
    2. Research questions
    3. Theoretical approach
    4. Methods
    5. (Preliminary) results
    6. Name and affiliation of each presenter

A symposium lasts 90 minutes. Organisers are free to decide the number, length, and order of presentations.

All symposium materials (overview abstract + individual abstracts) should be compiled and uploaded as one single document.

Stay Informed

Would you like to receive updates about NNFF11, including registration details and programme announcements?

Join our mailing list here

We will use the mailing list to share important information regarding the conference.

Conference Language

The conference language follows the Network language policy:

  • Scandinavian languages
  • English
  • Icelandic

Please write your abstract in the language in which you intend to present.

Practical Information

Information regarding:

  • Accommodation
  • Travel
  • Experiences in Akureyri and the surrounding areas in North Iceland

can be found at Visit North Iceland webpage.

Contact

If you have any questions related to the abstract submission form, please contact:

Birna Svanbjörnsdóttir, University of Akureyri, birnas@unak.is