Position statement on the use of languages at NEMS

NEMS’s mission is to build a network of, for, and with regional musicological societies and researchers in Europe. We are committed to honouring the cultural and linguistic diversity of the societies and individuals the network seeks to bring together.

The guidelines concerning the use of languages in NEMS seeks to balance issues of practicability with a respect for linguistic and cultural diversity.

• For reasons of feasibility, our website and general communication through email will at present use English as a ‘lingua franca’.
• Websites and communication will be written in an accessible manner in order to facilitate translation through software such as the DEEPL translation programme. (https://www.deepl.com/translator)
• In symposia, events and other activities, we will aim to offer space for linguistic diversity. This can take multiple forms e.g. sessions in different languages, the circulation of translations or translated abstracts, etc.
• We ask that every society and individual interacting with NEMS respects efforts to communicate in languages that are not one’s native language. Our key concern is to create spaces and times for networking and communication that crosses linguistic and cultural boundaries. We therefore value endeavours to find common ground over a perfected, polished use of langauges.

We are committed to continuing reviewing the language guidelines of NEMS in dialogue with our members based on viability, the needs of our members, considerations of equality, inclusion and diversity. Please feel free to contact us, if you have suggestions or concerns about the current guidelines.