August 9 – 14, 2020

World Congress of the International Association of Applied Linguistics

Proposal

AILA World Congress 2020 Sunday 9 to Friday 14 August

The dynamics of language, communication and culture

in a changing world

The Project: The Dutch Society for Applied Linguistics (Anéla)--an active and thriving organization concerning applied linguistics in the Netherlands and Belgium--would like to host the AILA conference in 2020 and will actively seek cooperation with and input from the other European affiliations through AILA-Europe. The Council of Europe has committed to forming a strategic partnership to support our efforts to have a strong European strand and reach out to the central and eastern European applied linguistics community especially.

The steering committee: Marjolijn Verspoor will act as chair of the steering committee. She will be assisted by the Groningen Congress Bureau and a strong local team (Nanna Hilton, Sake Jager, Merel Keijzer, Remco Knooihuizen, Hanneke Loerts, Wander Lowie, Rasmus Steinkrauss, and Audrey Rousse-Malpat). Kees de Bot will chair an international program committee, reflecting various strands with the help of at least two members who have helped organized an AILA world congress before: Bernd Rüschdoff and Tim MacNamara,.

The Theme: The field of applied linguistics has long witnessed the fact that there are very few simple cause-and-effect relations in Analysis of Discourse and Interaction, Assessment and Evaluation; Bilingual, Immersion, Heritage, and Minority Education; Corpus Linguistics; Educational Linguistics; ELF; Language and Cognition; Language and Technology; Language Planning and Policy; Language Variation and Contact; Lexicon; Pragmatics; Psycholinguistics; Reading, Writing, and Literacy; Second and Foreign Language Pedagogy; Second Language Acquisition, Language Acquisition, and Attrition; Sociolinguistics; Text Analysis (Written Discourse). In contrast, zooming in on any subfield of applied linguistics we can see dynamic interactions between many different factors and changes over time. The current theme—the dynamics of language, communication and culture in a changing world—encourages participants to pay attention to the complexities involved in any of the subfields of applied linguistics and if possible propose or incorporate theoretical and methodological frameworks that can help elucidate them. The Netherlands, and the University of Groningen in particular, are well suited to host a conference on this topic. The Netherlands have been known for their thriving and internationally renowned, innovative applied linguists, who will be eager to strengthen the dialogue about this topic with scholars from all over the world.

General Information about the Netherlands Kingdom of the Netherlands The Kingdom of the Netherlands with more than 17 million inhabitants and consists of the Netherlands and its overseas islands – Saba, St. Eustatius and Bonaire. The Netherlands is often called Holland, because of the role the two western provinces North and South Holland played in its history. This region encompasses the capital Amsterdam and Rotterdam, The Hague and other well-known Dutch cities such as Delft, Leiden and Haarlem. Surface and population The Netherlands is quite small; the surface area is only 41,528 square kilometres. The greatest distance from north to south is 300 kilometres, and from west to east 200 kilometres. The Netherlands is one of the most densely populated countries in the world. It has a population of sixteen and a half million and an average of over 400 inhabitants per square kilometres. Provinces of the Netherlands The vast majority of the country of the Netherlands is located in Europe and is traditionally divided into 12 provinces, which have their own capital, own self-rulers and administration. Each of these provinces have an unique atmosphere, different history, and different traditions. Thus, more than in any other country of Europe, the richness of the Netherlands lays in its diversity. Language Dutch is the national language of The Netherlands. However, English is spoken by almost everyone. Constitution and capital The Netherlands is a constitutional monarchy with a parliamentary system, and its government consists of the King and ministers. For historical reasons the government and parliament are in The Hague, although Amsterdam is in fact the capital. The Netherlands has a coalition government. King Willem-Alexander is the head of state.

General information about Groningen The Province of Groningen In the north of the Netherlands lies the vast province of Groningen. Unlike the western part of the country with its densely populated urban areas, the province of Groningen is predominantly rural and quite unspoiled. As is the case in many parts of The Netherlands, a large area of the province lies below sea level, and land was reclaimed here until well into the 19th century. As a result, the coastal area (towards the "Wadden Sea") offers a limitless view in all directions. Groningen also offers you very accessible transportation to one of the Dutch ‘Wadden’-islands called Schiermonnikoog, where beach, sea, nature and typical Wadden-island life awaits you, only one and a half hour from the city. The area is also a special subject of interest for biologists and environmentalist, both nationally and internationally. The City of Groningen If you were to draw a horizontal line through the centre of the Netherlands, (leaving Amsterdam aside) you would be left with Groningen as the largest city in the top half. This automatically gives Groningen a strategic prominence over a vast area – with all the attendant economic and cultural dynamics that naturally come with that position. The city of Groningen is the capital of the province of Groningen, the most north eastern province of the Netherlands. The largest (195,000 people) urban centre in the area, it is a relatively undiscovered and unspoiled part of the Netherlands that has kept most of its authenticity. Groningen has been awarded the title of Best City Centre in the Netherlands. In this bustling University City, everyone will find some of his liking. The striking Groninger Museum opposite the central station is an absolute eye-catching example of modern architecture. The Universiteitsgebouw, the Town Hall and of course the characteristic tower Martinitoren or 'the Old Grey' are also remarkable city markings. The City Centre offers a vast supply of very diverse shops

Attractive city Residents of 75 larger and medium-sized cities, including Groningen. The result was striking: the residents of Groningen are Europe’s most contented citizens. Since then, a whole new stream of visitors has started to look at this city and a lot of them intent to discover the ‘Groningen secret’. Groningen is an attractive city with 195.000 inhabitants, 16.000 companies and a high level of facilities that can only be found in major cities. The city is the regional centre for more than half a million people. Nevertheless, it is easy to feel 'at home' in Groningen. The compact centre of the city is very attractive. For instance because of its canals and the contrast between the many historical buildings and a lot of new architectural delights. The centre attracts 460.000 visitors a week, also because of the 4 large theatres, 4 cinemas, 1500 shops, the vibrant arts scene and fascinating museums, such as the famous Groninger Museum. The city centre has an extended range of restaurants and offers a lot of culinary choices. And no fewer than 160 bars, cafés, discotheques and scores of open-air terraces on which to enjoy a balmy summer evening. There is something for everyone - from the traditional Dutch 'brown café' to the trendiest hi-tech. And because Groningen is the 'youngest' city in the Netherlands (over half the population are under thirty-five) these bars are not only lively at weekends, but on weekdays as well.

City of Talent The city of Groningen is founded in the third century BC and was in 1614 the second university city in the Netherlands. Groningen is one of the largest ‘biotech-cities’ of the country, especially in the biomedical and biotechnical field. And the Energy Academy Europe brings the educational - and research institutes and the energy industry together. Ben Feringa, professor of Organic Chemistry has won the 2016 Nobel Prize in Chemistry for his work on the development of molecular machines. Due to high research level of institutions such as the (University of Groningen, RUG), the Hanze University of Applied Sciences and the University Medical Centre Groningen (UMCG), Groningen is called the ‘City of Talent’. Research within the University of Groningen concentrates on three main focus areas: Energy, Healthy Ageing and Sustainable Society. With these themes the University is looking to bridge the gap between science and society. The research not only has immediate social relevance – researchers at the University also cooperate on a large scale with partners from business, public organizations and the government, within and outside the region.

Museums and Art Art pervades the city, even in the train station with its magnificent stained glass windows. The city's landmark is the Martini tower which has overlooked the city for over 500 years. Visitors can climb this fourth-highest tower of the Netherlands up to the third gallery to get a spectacular view across the city. Adjoining the tower is the Martini church. It originates from approximately 1230 AD and contains frescos from the 13th century and one of the largest Baroque organs in northwest Europe. The Groninger Museum, designed by the Italian architect Alessandro Mendini, is opposite the train station and houses a permanent collection of 17th-century works (including Rubens' Adoration of the Magi), Hague School paintings, ceramics, modern art, archaeological artefacts as well as works by Groningen's expressionist De Ploeg group. Surrounded by water, the museum looks like a sea-going vessel. Groningen has a considerable amount of modern architecture that goes hand in hand with historic architecture. There is an Italian link, proven by the fact that many of the most remarkable buildings in the city were designed by Italians. Other museums in Groningen include the Dutch Comic Strip Museum, Nautical Museum, Tobacco Museum, Graphic Arts Museum, and the University Museum with its extensive collection of instruments and objects used at the University of Groningen, including material for medicine, biology, physics, and psychology. The collection also includes art, minerals and fossils, in addition to prints and costumes.

Architecture in Groningen Groningen is a city with a rich history, which is evident from the numerous beautiful buildings. The Academy Building, Martini Tower and Martini Church, city hall, warehouses and the main railway station are just some examples of Groningen’s historical heritage. The most important Groningen monument is the Martini tower which has overlooked the city for over five hundred years. This fourth highest tower of the Netherlands can be climbed until the third gallery. Afterwards, see the Martini church, the largest church in Groningen. Originating from approximately 1230, it includes frescos from the 13th century, and one of the largest Baroque organs in northwest Europe. Ask about the church’s opening hours prior to your visit.

Goudkantoor (gold office) and Waagstraatcomplex The Goudkantoor (gold office), originally a provincial tax office, was built in 1635. With its lavishly decorated façades, it was the last Renaissance style building to be constructed in Groningen. It was given the name of Goudkantoor in the 19th century when the “bureau of security for gold and silver” was located here. Today, it is a café/restaurant. The Waagstraatcomplex, designed by the Italian architect Natalini and located behind city hall, consists of three mutually joined buildings into which the Goudkantoor has been integrated. The various works of art were commissioned by the architect, and placed as an integral part of the complex. Main railway station The Groningen main railway station has more on offer besides getting on or off a train. This is the “cathedral of the winged wheel”, the entrance gate for the city as well as an extremely important monument. When standing in the main hall, imagine yourself a traveller from the 19th century: admire shelters for various classes, leaded windows, beautifully decorated ceilings, and a very particular six metre-high wrought iron streetlight in the centre. Prinsenhof and Prinsentuin During recent years, Radio/TV Noord was accommodated in the Prinsenhof, but they moved a short while ago. Originally used as a monastery, a suitable function for this complex is now being looked for. Behind the Prinsenhof is the Prinsentuin, which includes a rose garden and herb garden, and a footpath covered with foliage (berceau). The garden, surrounded by a wall, is one of the best examples of a Renaissance garden in the Netherlands. The Prinsentuin is opened from early April to half-October from 10 am to sunset. The tearoom is open on sunny days.

Goninger Forum Groningen has suffered quite some damage in the Second World War, especially the Grote Markt. With the reconstruction of the square, its original and intimate character was lost. The plans for the Groninger Forum were developed on a new city square and this new building will be open in 2019.

Cultural Events Since the Groningen World Exhibition in 1903, Groningen has remained a festival city, whether for sports, pop music, jazz, blues, classical music, film, or theatre. Groningen also has a variety of restaurants (some with a Michelin star), cafes, and pubs with a special character. Many of the cafes and pubs of the city are located in the Ellebogenbuurt district on the south side of the Grote Markt. This complex is the largest beer serving point in the Netherlands. You can have a drink and listen to live music or simply enjoy the atmosphere. Groningen's entertainment has no fixed closing hour, ensuring a bustling nightlife both during the week as well as on weekends. City Tours/ Walks There are numerous walking (self and guided) and guided bike tours that are offered by the Tourist Office. One can concentrate on art walks, architecture walks, culinary walks, and art exhibition walks among others. There are numerous galleries to visit as well. Bicycles are easy to rent and Groningen has been called the World's Best City for Cycling.

At MartiniPlaza Groningen, you are always assured of a pleasant stay and good services. Its multi-purpose accommodation combined with professional hospitality will provide you with all the space you need for meetings, conferences, (business) functions, theatre shows, trade fairs and sporting events. MartiniPlaza has turned organizing conferences and meetings into a specialty service. With three large conference halls, MartiniPlaza is an excellent choice for conferences and conventions. The Theatre Hall has a capacity of 1580 people, while the Springer Hall can accommodate 325 people. Conference Room 14 can be used for meetings of up to 200 people. MartiniPlaza also offers 11 conference rooms for 10 to 500 people, if required the Central Hall can be arranged for a conference up to 3600 people. Audiovisual equipment is standard facility in all rooms. The spacious exhibition rooms, including the Central Hall (Middenhal), are multi-purpose rooms and can be used for e.g. parallel and poster sessions. MartiniPlaza Horeca guarantees perfect culinary support of your event. MartiniPlaza has its own restaurant ‘Inspirations’, a theatre café, a business room, “topsport” lounge and comfortable foyers. MartiniPlaza is situated near the beautiful City Park (Stadspark), and is excellently located with regards to the motorway network, the railway station and Groningen Airport Eelde. There is a renowned hotel at walking distance (Mercure hotel MartiniPlaza) and there are 1,500 parking spaces in the direct vicinity.

Conference venue

Theatre Hall

Catering and restaurants

Catering services in MartiniPlaza

We take the culinary care of your event very seriously. This determines to a large extent the success of your conference. In MartiniPlaza we have an in-

house catering team that guarantees high quality customized culinary care and execution. You can use our high-quality catering team. For events outside the hotel we arrange custom catering.

Restaurants and Catering in Groningen Groningen has a variety of pubs and a number of restaurants which have been awarded a Michelin Star; all-night restaurants where the kitchens are open even after midnight, and in particular many pubs where your food is served. There are also a lot of possibilities for high quality catering service at conferences and other events in Groningen. For instance by Bos& Bos Catering Groningen and De Smaak van het Noorden (The taste of the North). It is their mission to make your conference lunch or dinner successful. Unique is a diner on a special location such as the Der Aa-church and the Martini Church.

University of Groningen

The city of Groningen had a great tradition in education even before the 17th Century The Sint Maartenschool, a so-called Latin School, was famous throughout the country and even further: people came from France, Italy and Poland to study here with people of the city and province of Groningen. However, if someone from Groningen wanted a university education, they had to go to Leiden or abroad, until the university in Groningen was founded in 1614. The University of Groningen has an international reputation as one of the leading research universities in Europe. Its department of Applied Linguistics has international standing and draws students from all of the world. Faculty of Arts and Society / Department of Applied Linguistics Today, the University of Groningen research and education are organized within eleven faculties. One of those faculties is the Faculty of Arts and Society. Students and researchers in this faculty study subjects that are familiar to us all. The language that we speak, the history of our families or surroundings, the news websites we visit, the conversations we have, the movies we watch and the books we read. The Department of Applied Linguistics of the University of Groningen has international standing and draws students from all of the world.

Academy building The Academy building was the first and main building of the university. But the first building became too small and the second Academy building was destroyed by fire. The third Academy building, built in the style of the northern Dutch Renaissance, opened its doors in 1909 and it is still the main building of the University of Groningen. It is the place where all university ceremonies take place and where the nine faculties each have their own faculty rooms. And a lot of conferences are held in this beautiful building.

Academy building

Hotels in Groningen Most hotels are within walking distance of the main train station

HOTELS IN GRONINGEN

Hotel Prinsenhof **** 40 rooms

Mercure Hotel Martiniplaza **** 157 rooms

NH Hotel de Ville **** 66 rooms

NH Hotel Groningen **** 124 rooms

Hampshire City Hotel *** 105 rooms

Schimmelpenninck Huys **** 60 rooms

Martini Hotel *** 117 rooms

Bud Gett Hostels 60 beds

University Hotel ** 47 rooms

Hampshire Hotel Groningen *** 80 rooms

Hampshire Hotel Plaza *** 118 rooms

Auberge Corps de Garde **** 20 rooms

Asgard Hotel **** 20 rooms

Hotel de Doelen *** 35 rooms

Apollo Hotels & Resorts **** 107 rooms

Van der Valk Groningen-Hoog. **** 140 rooms

Student Hotel *** 65 rooms

1300 rooms + 60 beds

HOTELS NEAR GRONINGEN

2 x Fletcher Hotel *** 40 + 78 rooms

Familiehotel Paterswolde **** 65 rooms

Postillion Haren *** 97 rooms

Van der Valk Assen **** 137 rooms

De Bonte Wever Assen **** 150 rooms

Van der Valk Zuid- en Westerbroek

**** 120 +78 rooms

Tulip Inn Zuidlaren *** 60 rooms

Prinsenhof Hotel Groningen

Travelling to and in Groningen The city and province have a high quality public transport network. It is also easy to reach Groningen by car, bike or boat and even by plane. Make use of the many ways to get around and let yourself be surprised by the beauty of Groningen. By air / Groningen Airport Eelde Groningen Airport Eelde is situated just 15 kilometres from to city of Groningen. Every day flights arrive and depart from different countries throughout the world, such as London (Southend) and Gdansk and Copenhagen. You can fly to or from Groningen via Copenhagen Airport from more than 80 destinations worldwide. After your arrival you can take a direct shuttlebus or taxi to Groningen Centre (in half an hour). This airport is also easy accessible by car. Address: Machlaan 14a, Eelde , The Netherlands. More information: https://www.groningenairport.nl/en/travelinformation/destinations http://www.flybe.com/cheap-flights/groningen/ Schiphol Airport When your flight arrives at Schiphol Airport (Amsterdam) the easiest way to travel to Groningen is by train. The time taken is approx. 2 hours By car/ Car rental By car, you can reach the city of Groningen via highway A28 from the south of the Netherlands. From Germany (east) or Amsterdam (west) you can take highway A7. Carparks: There are ten carparks located near the citycenter. Please note that car traffic in the city of Groningen is restricted and street parking is very limited. For information about car rentals and/or picking up a rental car, please go the Hertz or AVIS desks in the passenger terminal. Taxi and bus In north, south-west and east Groningen are special taxies in addition to public transport. Regional taxies can be used to go from your house to a bus stop or train station (and back). Connections are guaranteed, but be sure to book a regional taxi in advance. Regional taxis are available throughout Groningen, except for the city.There are 8 P+R carparks just outside the city (such as in Haren and Leek), where you can park your car free of charge and take the P&R citybus to the city center. Groningen has an excellent public transport system. From the Central Station it only takes you several minutes to walk to the city centre. Just cross the Werkmanbridge connecting the station and the Groninger Museum. Bicycle rental There are various locations in Groningen for hiring a bicycle. OV bicycles are available for hire at the Groningen main railway station.

City Bus If you want to do some serious shopping in the city, park your car on one of the four P+R areas, and be comfortably transported to the city center and back. Parking is free. Transport by bus for yourself and no more than four other persons can be paid for on the bus. Return tickets are € 6,-. The City bus travels on days when shops are open, including Sunday opening hours. There are car parks at the Sontweg, Peizerweg, and Kardinge Park & Ride. The parking card for disabled people allows parking at all of the spaces for the disabled. They can also park free of charge for a maximum of three hours at the regular parking spaces using a disc.

Special offer for conference delegates in Groningen

Q-buzz

Groningen's local public transport company, Q-buzz, has generously offered free public transportation to attendees to and from local hotels to the MartiniPlaza as well as throughout the City of Groningen. (The organization of the conference will pay a small fee per delegate) Please make sure to have your Conference Name Badge as it is your ticket to ride. For more information regarding which routes service MartiniPlaza (conference location), please ask your hotel's front desk.

Welcoming reception and the joint hosts When you organize an international convention in the city or province of Groningen, the participants will be offered a reception on behalf of the Municipality of Groningen, the Province of Groningen and University of Groningen. During a reception, one dignitary of one of the initiators will address the international assembly of the convention. The reception may be held at the University of Groningen, in the historic Provinciehuis or in Groningen City Hall. Against an additional fee, the reception may also be organized in a commercial location. As the convention organizer, you will receive attractively designed invitation cards for all participants of your international convention in advance. For more information, conditions and requests, please contact the Groningen Congres Bureau. Joint Hosts is an initiative of the University of Groningen, the Province of Groningen and the Municipality of Groningen. Province of Groningen City of Groningen University of Groningen