Santhwana Santhosh, Senior Research Fellow, Centre for Folk Culture Studies, School of Social Sciences, University of Hyderabad (UoH) was given an opportunity to contribute to the 19th International Society for Folk Narrative Research (ISFNR) Congress in Riga, Latvia, hosted by the Institute of Literature, Folklore and Art (ILFA), University of Latvia from 17th to 21st June, 2024.
Her paper titled “In Situ-Ex Situ in/of Totam: Oral Narratives in the Changing Contexts” paralleling the theme of the Congress, ‘Folk Narratives in the Changing World’ under the sub-theme, ‘Oral vs Online: Narratives in the Digital Age and Social Media’ was selected for an oral presentation. Drawing from interdisciplinary theoretical paradigms, the presentation attempted at forging connections with oral narrative research and digitalisation, in the light of select oral narratives of North Malabar.
ISFNR is a scholarly society of international specialists fostering work in “all aspects of narrative as a pivotal category of human communication.” The 19th Congress witnessed insightful presentations and keynote lectures on topics ranging from Narratives of Crisis, Changing Environment, Belief Narratives, Digital Approaches and Theoretical Paradigms from presenters across the globe. The Congress also conducted a workshop for the presenters, to provide insights on the use of data science tools to analyse tales and texts. The presenters also had the pleasure to experience the Latvian Summer Solstice celebrations in the old Hanseatic League city of Riga.
The researcher immensely thanks and appreciates the opportunity provided by the Institution of Eminence (IoE), University of Hyderabad Travel Grant, the Centre, the School and the University, UGC-JRF, and ISFNR and ILFA, thus aiding her in building networks with experts in the field to strengthen the academic experience.