Call for Papers
"Tolkien’s Elvish Mirror: Language, Myth, and Europe’s Search for Self"
24 and 25 April, University of Malta
We are pleased to invite paper submissions for the upcoming Tolkien Round-Table, a focused discussion among scholars and experts on the role of J.R.R. Tolkien’s approach to language in the cohesion of European identity. The round-table aims to foster dialogue, share insights, and co-construct discourse.
Key-note by: Prof. Thomas Honegger from the Institut für Anglistik/Amerikanistik at the Friedrich-Schiller-Universität, Jena (https://www.gw.uni-jena.de/56804/honegger-thomas)
Round-Table Abstract:
Europe is being threatened by fragmentation, both from internal and external forces, which reflects a broader identity crisis across the continent. In this context, J.R.R. Tolkien’s philosophy of language offers timely insights. For Tolkien, language was not merely a tool of communication but a container of cultural memory, myth and identity. Though not a philosopher in the narrow sense, Tolkien embodied his linguistic philosophy through his fictional works and invented languages, which prioritized aesthetic pleasure and art, over communicative efficiency.
Unlike other constructed languages of his time, Tolkien’s were integrated with rich narratives, creating a unique mutualism between story and language. This fusion achieved a kind of "unity in diversity," illustrating how linguistic plurality can foster cultural cohesion. The lasting cultural impact of Elvish in the world, far surpassing that of Novial or, arguably, even Esperanto, underscores this point.
Tolkien’s philosophy and spirituality encourage a more respectful view of minority languages and regional identities, emphasising depth, history, and imagination. In today’s Europe—caught between fragmentation and homogenisation—his work serves as a reminder of the spiritual and unifying power of language. Rather than reverting to past mythologies, Tolkien’s model suggests that new, culturally resonant myths may offer a path toward greater European unity than economic strategies alone.
We are particularly interested in contributions that engage with the topic from interdisciplinary, comparative, or innovative angles.
Format:
The round-table format will feature presentations (30–40 minutes) followed by an open and interactive discussion. This is an opportunity to present work-in-progress, provoke debate, and build networks with fellow experts.
Possible Topics of Interest Include (but are not limited to):
Submission Guidelines:
Please submit a short abstract (250–300 words) outlining your proposed contribution, along with a brief biographical note (100–150 words), including your affiliation and relevant expertise.
In alignment with the intended spirit of the round-table, we would like to foster scholarly dialogue from the incipient stages. Therefore, we encourage discussion prior to submitting your abstract or after. This would, at the same time, ensure the balance in the subtopics discussed at the round-table event. Also, since it is not expected that all those who may be interested in the topic and would like to contribute are necessarily well-read in Tolkien studies, we will also be happy to suggest relevant readings by Tolkien or about Tolkien that are pertinent to the subtopic in discussion.
Send your queries and your submission to: tolkienroundtable@gmail.com
Deadline for submissions: 30 November 2025
Notifications of acceptance will be sent by: 15 November 2025
We welcome submissions from academics, researchers, practitioners, and graduate students whose work speaks to the theme of the round-table. We look forward to a stimulating and collaborative exchange of ideas.
Organising and Scientific Team:
Rev. Prof. Charló Camilleri
Rev. Robert Falzon
Mr. James Moffett
Hosted by: The Department of Moral Theology and the Department of English at UM