Symposium 2025: Embracing Diversity, Building Community

The Lannang Symposium serves as a forum for members of the Lannang community, stakeholders, and those interested in Lannang heritage to engage deeply with topics related to heritage and identity, especially focusing on language. While the symposium incorporates traditional presentations akin to academic conferences, it largely breaks away from this format by adopting a grassroots approach that emphasizes community-centric discussions and activities. This initiative recognizes that meaningful and lasting changes take time; hence, its goals are foundational yet vital—it seeks to spark essential conversations and foster authentic grassroots engagement, expected to gradually effect positive changes within the Lannang community. This effort aims to catalyze change from the grassroots level, acknowledging that true, sustainable progress must originate from within the community itself. 

Building on the successful discussions of the inaugural Lannang Symposium, the next symposium will adopt the theme Embracing Diversity, Building Community and ask several pivotal questions: 

1. Is there an “authentic” or “original” Lannang heritage? How should we define this authenticity or originality, and who gets to decide? 

2. Is it justifiable to marginalize Lannang individuals who do not adhere to the “traditional” or widely accepted customs of the socially dominant groups within the community? 

3. Can “Lannang-ness” and “Lánnang-uè” be defined inclusively, accommodating variability? To what extent should inclusivity go, and what are the limits? 

4. What practical steps can we take to advance as a community while avoiding internal discrimination or “lateral violence”? 

These compelling questions have inspired the organization of the second Lannang Symposium, set for July 10 to 12, 2025. The symposium is designed to spark discussions around these critical issues, continuing to promote positive change within and across Lannang communities. This year, the event will include five pre-symposium satellite events and 16 sessions, blending academic insights with grassroots involvement, all led by community members and stakeholders. The daily themes of the symposium are meticulously planned to reflect different aspects of the overarching theme ‘Unity in Diversity’: Day one will explore “one heritage, diverse roots,” day two will delve into “one language, diverse styles,” and day three will celebrate “one people, diverse experiences.” These themes aim to engage participants in embracing the diversity inherent in the Lannang community. 

Objectives 

The Lannang Symposium aims to be… 

• a forum for connecting generations of individuals with Lannang heritage through ongoing, meaningful dialogue about “Lannang” identity and languages such as “Lánnang-uè.” 

• a gathering place for the community to explore its collective history and experiences, discuss current challenges, and envision a shared future. 

• an environment that fosters recognition and robust growth of “Lannang” identity and languages outside the confines of home life. 

• a space for those disconnected from their Lannang roots to re-engage with the community. 

Symposium Cornerstones 

Like the previous Symposium, and future Symposiums, this Symposium will feature: 

• Engaging, community-driven, non-academic activities that strengthen the community and promote its languages. 

• Insightful talks and panels with scholars and experts dedicated to the study of Lannang languages and cultural heritage. 

• Presentations and discussions led by industry professionals who work with or integrate Lannang languages and heritage into their practices. 

• Inclusive community discussions and decision-making on issues pertinent to the Lannang community. 

See you in 2025!