Breaking Records and Silences: An Account of the IRSCL Congress 2019 “Silence and Silencing in Children’s Literature”

Abstract

The theme of the Congress that was held by the International Research
Society for Children’s Literature (IRSCL) in August 14-18, 2019, was the
following: “Silence and Silencing in Children’s Literature”. This article
overviews the Congress’ main themes, summarizes the presentations and the key points of discussions. The Congress’ theme sought to capture the ambivalent nature of children’s literature which allows it to simultaneously function as a discursive silencing practice and as a tool for child’s empowerment. 513 delegates from 52 countries took part in the Congress, which accounts for richer research materials and deeper research itself.

Keywords: Children’s literature, silence, taboo, narratology, approaches to children’s literature studies