Exploring the Role of Depiction in Signed Languages

Welcome to Bergen in April where we will present the results of our DEPICT project. We also invite submissions for poster presentations on recent unpublished work.

The Research Council of Norway funded project, Depiction as an Engine for Promoting Inclusion, Communication, and Translation (DEPICT), has been investigating the integral role of depiction in Norwegian Sign Language (NTS) since 2021. This workshop aims to delve into the findings of DEPICT and depiction generally, fostering discussions on how depiction supports communication and inclusion within deaf community signed languages. We will also host a one-day methods bootcamp on 15 April covering signed language analysis with R and data collection with ELAN.

Join us in exploring the vibrant connections between communication and thought in the NTS language ecology. We look forward to your contributions and to fostering a collaborative environment for advancing the understanding of signed language depiction. We are happy to present Jarkko Keränen and Sam Lutalo-Kiingi as keynote speakers.

Call for posters

We invite submissions for poster presentations on recent unpublished work addressing one or more of the workshop themes:

  • Learning and Memory: Understanding how depictions are learned and stored both for interpreters and general signed language users, and their impact on language processing.
  • Language Ecology: Exploring how depictive strategies flourish within the signed language environments, including their use by deaf immigrants and interpreters.

Submission guidelines

Abstract: Submit a 500-word abstract summarizing your poster's content.

Format: Posters should be A1 size (594 x 841 mm) and include clear visuals and concise text.

Deadline: 22 November 2025

Submission: Email your abstract to benjamin.d.anible@ntnu.no with the subject line "DEPICT Workshop Poster Submission."

Important dates

Abstract Submission Deadline: 22 November 2025

Notification of Acceptance: 15 January 2025

Registration deadline: TBD

Methods bootcamp: 15 April 2026

Workshop Dates: 16-17 April 2026

Hotel

We are pleased to inform you that we have reserved an entire block of hotel rooms at Hotel Scandic Torget for participants at the workshop. This block has been specifically arranged for our workshop attendees, and we highly recommend taking advantage of this opportunity to secure comfortable accommodation during the event. 

Some rooms are reserved 15-17.April, and some 16-17.April. We encourage you to book as soon as possible, as the booking code is only valid until 17.February (at 18:00 local time). 

To reserve a room, please book here, and be sure to mention the conference code BHVL140426 to receive the special rate. Please note that payment for the rooms will be collected upon check-out.

 

Conference dinner

We are pleased to invite you to a conference dinner at Frescohallen, a beautiful and historic venue located in the heart of Bergen — just a short walk from the conference hotel.

Enjoy a delicious two-course meal featuring tenderloin in an elegant and atmospheric setting.

Please note that the dinner is not included, and must be paid when registering for the conference.

 

Sign up for the workshop here

 

Keynote speakers

bilde av Jarkko Keränen

Jarkko Keränen

This keynote presentation is motivated by my doctoral dissertation on iconicity – understood as the resemblance-based relationship between a sign and its object – in Finnish Sign Language from a multisensory perspective, encompassing all senses (vision, smell, touch, taste, and hearing) as well as emotions (e.g., happiness and anger). While focusing on iconicity, indexicality – the contiguity-based relationship – is essential to consider as part of iconicity.

bilde av Sam Lutalo-Kiingi

Sam Lutalo-Kiingi

Opportunities, Challenges, and Sustainability: The Ugandan Deaf Community and Academic Training Programmes.

For any inquiries, please contact:

bilde av Benjamin Donald Anible

Benjamin Donald Anible

Førsteamanuensis II

bilde av Gro Hege Saltnes Urdal

Gro Hege Saltnes Urdal

gro.hege.saltnes.urdal@hvl.no