We invite submissions for a paper panel themed “Non-Western Aesthetics: Rhetoric, Resistance, and Representation” – an exploration of aesthetics from diverse cultural perspectives, non-Western rhetorical traditions, and globalized literary theory. Our aim is to examine non-Western, non-hegemonic discourses from non-White nations that incorporate indigenous critical approaches and local theories within artistic and literary practices. We are particularly interested in South and Southeast Asian literary and cultural studies.

Broad areas of exploration may include, but are certainly not limited to, the following literary and cultural theoretical perspectives:

• Globalization and Interculturalism
• Intersectional Perspectives and Epistemologies
• Indigenous Knowledges
• Decolonizing Aesthetics
• Postcolonial Interventions
• Globalization and Cultural Hybridity
• Translational Theories
• Feminist and Queer Interventions in Indigenous Thought
• Subaltern and Alternative Rhetorical Strategies and Practices

Conference Details

57th NeMLA Annual Convention, March 5 - 8, 2026, Pittsburgh, PA. Visit https://www.nemla.org/convention/future.html for more details. 

Modality 

Panel / In Person Only: The session will be held fully in person. No remote presentations will be included.

Submissions and Deadline

Please reach out to us for pre-submission inquiries: Dr. Shreelina Ghosh ghosh002@gannon.edu and Dr. Kaustav Mukherjee mukherje001@gannon.edu.

Interested panelists must submit their abstract and required biographical information via the NeMLA portal: https://cfplist.com/nemla/Home/S/21847 to submit your abstract (submissions not accepted via email). Submissions must be received by September 26, 2025.