A two-day international conference focusing on literary multilingualism will take place in Nicosia on 7 and 8 May 2026. The event aims to address gaps in existing research by examining how multiple languages influence the writing process. It is the first conference of its kind to be held in Cyprus.
Focus on multilingual writing processes
The conference, titled Reading and Writing In and Between Languages: The Dynamics of Multilingual Literary Creation, will explore how authors work across languages, particularly at the level of manuscripts.
According to Eva Polyviou, President of the Centre for Literary and Cultural Studies “Kelopos”, the focus will not be on published works but on the writing process itself.
“Many times a work appears monolingual once published, but the manuscripts reveal multilingual processes behind it,” she noted.
The event aims to contribute to ongoing academic discussion by examining how linguistic diversity shapes literary expression and authorial practice.
Academic context and development
The initiative builds on a collaboration between the Kelopos Centre and the Jagiellonian University of Krakow, which began in 2025. An earlier international seminar held in Krakow laid the groundwork for the Nicosia conference.
The upcoming event expands this effort by bringing together additional researchers and opening the discussion to a wider academic audience.
Eight specialists from European universities, all working in the field of literary multilingualism, are expected to participate.
Authors and case studies
The conference will examine a range of internationally recognised writers, including Samuel Beckett, James Joyce, Alexander Pushkin and Czesław Miłosz.
One of the presentations will focus on Dionysios Solomos, highlighting how his manuscripts reflect influences from multiple languages, including Italian, French, Latin and Ancient Greek.
The presentation will be delivered by Kostis Pavlou, Director of the Kelopos Centre and lecturer at the Open University of Cyprus.
Public access and future publication
The conference is open to the public, with organisers aiming to make academic knowledge accessible beyond specialised research circles.
Participants will receive certificates of attendance. Organisers also plan to publish a collected volume of the conference papers, bringing together contributions from both the Nicosia event and earlier discussions in Krakow.
Event details and registration
Dates: 7–8 May 2026
Venue: Severios Library, Archbishop Kyprianos Square, 1016 Nicosia
Due to limited capacity, advance registration is required by 4 May 2026.
