From National Conference-Workshop to International Conference-Workshop on Language and Literature
From National to International
The journey began in 2017 when the National Conference‑Workshop on Language and Literature (NCWoLL) was held at Mindanao State University – Iligan Institute of Technology (MSU-IIT) in Iligan City, Philippines. Its theme, “Rethinking Literature and Languages: New Paradigms in the Teaching and Reading of the English Language/s”, gathered scholars, educators, and practitioners to explore emerging approaches in the teaching and interpretation of language and literature.
In 2018 the second edition, took place (November 15-17) with the theme “Updating Constructs for 21st Century Pedagogy/ies: Language and Literature in K-12 and Institutions of Higher Education”.
As the conference matured, the format expanded in scope and audience. In 2022, the event evolved into the International Conference‑Workshop on Language and Literature (ICWoLL), held online, inviting international collaborators from universities in Malaysia, Indonesia, USA and beyond. Its theme, “Convergences, Disruptions and Junctions: Exploring New Directions in Language and Literature”, reflected the global, multilingual, and digitally mediated realities of language, literature and culture.
The most recent edition which was also online, ICWoLL 2024 addressed the theme “Navigating New Horizons: Generative AI’s Role in Shaping Language, Literature, and Education for an Interdisciplinary and Cohesive Future.” Over 150 participants from across the globe participated, exploring themes from AI in language assessment to digital heritage and multilingual literacies.
Looking Ahead
From its beginnings as a national, discipline-specific workshop, the conference has steadily broadened its reach and ambition: transforming into an international platform that engages with not just language and literature, but also technology, culture, policy and community sustainability. Still hosted by MSU-IIT, but with strengthened partnerships with leading universities in Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Hawaii, USA, the future editions are poised to deepen the dialogue on how language, literature and culture can contribute to the creation of smart, inclusive and sustainable communities.