Where Silence Speaks. (In)audibility as a cultural phenomenon and scholarly challenge in Eastern and South-Eastern Europe

The study day Where Silence Speaks explores silence and (in)audibility as central cultural and scholarly challenges in Eastern and South-Eastern Europe.

Flyer & Program

While the question of “who speaks” has long shaped research in the humanities, this event turns to its often-overlooked counterpart: who does not speak, and why. Through a series of interdisciplinary working groups and discussions, the study day examines how silences are produced, maintained, and challenged in historical constellations and cultural practices.

Drawing on case studies from Ukraine, Poland, Russia, and Bosnia’s Roma population, the workshops address questions of gender, (post-)coloniality, sexuality, archives, media, and artistic practice. Particular attention is paid to the ethical challenges of researching silence and marginalisation, especially in contexts of violence and war.

📍 Friday, 27 March 2026 | 13:00–20:00 (Movie Night from 18.00–20.00)
📍 Slavic Seminar, Nadelberg 8, 4051 Basel

Registration required – deadline: 13 March 2026

Please register via the online form and indicate your preferred working groups. We will do our best to accommodate your choices.