Travel is an intimate part of human existence, involving cultural exchange through observation and interaction. It requires us to recognize that, beyond our allegiance to our own nation, we are also bound together by our shared humanity and the global community. To truly understand ourselves, we must adopt an inclusive perspective towards life, where cultures merge and combine to form a constructive relationship. In today’s globalized world, the practice of travel, mobility, and cross-cultural contact challenges the politics of difference and the homogenizing perspectives of the world. This “openness to the world”[1] enables us to appreciate the diverse cultures around us and discover our own identities in relation to others and their ethnolinguistic backgrounds. By engaging with difference, we can forge cultural connections that transcend time and space, and bring subjectivity into dialogue.
International travelers have been drawn to the Americas for centuries, captivated by its diverse cultures, natural beauty, and rich history. From the ancient Incan ruins of Machu Picchu to the bustling streets of New York City, the Americas offer a wide range of experiences for travelers. The United States, with its vast size and cultural diversity, offers something for everyone—from the beaches of California to the forests of Maine. Visitors can experience the excitement of Times Square in New York City, the natural beauty of the Grand Canyon in Arizona, or the historical significance of Washington, D.C. Canada also boasts stunning natural landscapes, from the Rocky Mountains to the vast expanses of the Canadian Shield. Central and South America offer a wealth of experiences, from exploring the ancient ruins of Tikal in Guatemala and relaxing on the beaches of Costa Rica to experiencing the vibrant culture of Mexico City. South America is home to iconic destinations such as the Amazon rainforest, the Galapagos Islands, and the Andes Mountains. The Americas are rich in symbols appreciated by international travelers, including the bald eagle, the Statue of Liberty, the Mayan pyramids, Niagara Falls, the Hollywood Sign, the Golden Gate Bridge, and the Rio Carnival.
We invite scholars and researchers to submit papers exploring the theme of transnational travel writing to (and in) the Americas for publication by a reputable publishing house. This interdisciplinary panel aims to examine how international travel writers from around the world have represented and engaged with the Americas as a destination of travel and a place of longing. We encourage papers that explore the diverse and complex intersections of travel writing with issues such as race, gender, class, imperialism, globalization, and transnationalism.
Potential topics may include, but are not limited to:
- Travel writing as a site of cultural exchange and encounter
- Representations of the self and the other in American travel writing
- Travel writing as a form of political and social critique
- Travel writing and imperialism
- Gendered perspectives on American travel writing
- The role of technology and transportation in shaping American travel writing
- The impact of globalization on American travel writing
- The ethics of representing other cultures in American travel writing
- The role of translation and multilingualism in transnational American travel writing
We welcome submissions from scholars across disciplines, including literary studies, cultural studies, history, geography, anthropology, and beyond.
Please submit abstracts of 500 words to Stefan Brandt (stefan.brandt(at)uni-graz.at) and Saptarshi Mallick (saptarshieng(at)gmail.com) by September 15, 2024.
After reviewing the abstracts, contributors will be informed and requested to submit their complete papers by May 15, 2025.
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[1] Kwame Anthony Appiah. Cosmopolitanism: Ethics in a World of Strangers. New York/London: Norton, 2006, 5.