[Post-Event] Bridging Voices and Shaping Futures with StuCELL 2023: Exploring Diversity and Representation in English Literature and Linguistics Research

The Student Conference on English Literature and Linguistics, StuCELL 2023, was successfully held at Universitas Gadjah Mada on October 3-4, 2023. StuCELL is an annual conference that supports those who are interested in doing research within the field of English Literature and Linguistics. This conference gives room for networking and discussion, which is especially valuable for new students seeking experience in this field. In addition, all participants were given the opportunity to hone their skills by submitting their best papers on the topic of “Diversity and Representation: Addressing Issues of Race, Ethnicity, Gender, and Sexuality in Linguistics and Literature.” As such, all participants are encouraged to express their viewpoints and contribute to the critical discussion that will take place, while also gaining insights from each other’s experiences in order to broaden their understanding of diversity and representation.

First day of StuCELL 2023 on October 3 was started off with the opening speech from Prof. Dr. Setiadi, S.Sos., M.Si (Dean of the Faculty Cultural Sciences), Dr. Adi Sutrisno, M.A. (Head of the English Department), and Mahdi Ismail Syariati (Coordinator of the Committee). The first session started with the first keynote speaker, Dr. Leah Gerber, a senior scholar in literature, translation, and interpreting studies officiated in Monash Intercultural Lab (MIL), Monash University, Australia. She presented a paper centered around the topic of  “Addressing Race, Gender, and Identity in Translated Literature.” Dr. Leah Gerber thoroughly explored theoretical advancements in the field of translation studies, with a particular focus on cultural, gender, and post-colonial perspectives. She also highlighted the practical applicability of these theories through real-world instances, such as the translation of prominent political figures like Trump, controversies like the Amanda Gorman translation, and translation challenges in culturally diverse communities during the Covid-19 pandemic in Australia.

Prof. Manneke Budiman, M.A., Ph.D., the second keynote speaker and a professor in Literature Department, Faculty of Humanities, University of Indonesia, commenced the second day of StuCELL 2023 by delivering a lecture revolved around the topic of “Literature in a Polarized World: Can Literature Still Talk About Difference?” During his session, Professor Manneke Budiman, M.A., Ph.D., explored the influence of globalization and digital technology on society and culture while pointing out the homogenization of culture and the lack of diversity due to the widespread consumption of identical media and ideas.

Prof. Manneke Budiman, M.A., Ph.D. proposed that writers, particularly those affiliated with the modernist school, should actively resist conforming to mainstream conventions. Instead, they should position themselves on the margins — maintaining their independence and offering a critical viewpoint. The significance of literature in this context is emphasized, as it is regarded as a fortress against societal madness and a means to safeguard culture and civilization. Moreover, Professor Budiman underlined that literature is not restricted to the margin but rather occupies an intermediate space.

During this conference, there were a total of eight teams scheduled to present their best research papers, which were divided over the course of two days. Each presenter was allotted a 20-minute time slot to articulate their ideas and engage in a question-and-answer session involving both the audience and fellow presenters. In addition, this session was conducted both offline and online, as StuCELL 2023 aimed to provide equitable presentation opportunities for the esteemed participants, regardless of their geographic location outside Yogyakarta. Moreover, the papers selected from this event would be published in reputable academic journals accredited by LEXICON and SINTA.