Driven by the rapid advancement of digital intelligence, multimodal information processing and integration have risen to the forefront and the top agenda of AI research. Following the resounding success of the inaugural Conference on Multimodality & Social Semiotics in the Age of Digital Intelligence held in March 2025, College of Foreign Languages, Fujian Normal University is proud to partner with the Martin Centre for Applicable Linguistics, Shanghai Jiao Tong University in presenting its second edition. Together, we will co-host the 2nd Conference on Multimodality & Social Semiotics in the Age of Digital Intelligence: Theory and Application on April 18–19, 2026.
This gathering aims to foster meaningful dialogue bridging theory and application, highlighting cutting-edge breakthroughs in multimodal intelligence, and collectively charting its future research directions. It will feature keynote speeches from over a dozen distinguished international scholars, along with curated panel sessions and interactive roundtables, to stimulate dynamic, inclusive scholarly exchange.
We cordially invite scholars, researchers, and students worldwide to join us in Fuzhou, where we will collectively advance this rapidly evolving field amid the digital intelligence era.
Keynote speakers:
Feng Dezheng, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
Gu Yueguo, Chinese Academy of Social Sciences
Len Unsworth, Australian Catholic University, North Sydney, Australia
Lorenzo Logi, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
Michele Zappavigna, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
Wang Pin, Shanghai Jiao Tong University
Wang Wenbin, Beijing Foreign Studies University
Wang Zhenhua, Fujian Normal University / Shanghai Jiao Tong University
You Zeshun, Fujian Normal University
……
Themes of the conference (include, but are not limited to):
Theories and Methods in Multimodal Studies
Meaning-Making and Modeling in Multimodality
The Materiality, Functionality and Rhetoricity of Modes
Dynamics and Fluidity in Multimodality
Carbon-based and Silicon-based Interaction in Multimodality
Multimodality and Digital Literacy
Multimodality and Education (Including Subject-specific Infographics)
Multimodality and Cross-Culture
Multimodality and Institutional Discourse
Multimodality and Grand Health
Multimodality and Picture Books
Multimodality and Social Life (Including Pet Discourse)
…….
Time length
Keynote speeches: 40 minutes (including Q&A)
Roundtable forums: 40 minutes (including Q&A)
Panel session: 20 minutes
Working languages: Chinese and/or English
Requirement
Please send the form (Appendix 1) with your abstract either in Chinese or English by March 15, 2026 to 281233363@qq.comor zhangpiaol 08@163.com. Invitation letters will be sent out by March 31, 2026.
More information
1. Venue
College of Foreign Languages, Fujian Normal University
Address: No. 8 Shangsan Road, Fuzhou, Fujian Province, China
2. Conference Fees
The registration fee is RMB 1000 (RMB 500 for students with valid student ID).
Details regarding payment will be provided via email later.
Costs on transportation, accommodation, and meals are covered by participants selves.
3. Accommodation
Please make your own reservations at the following recommended hotels:
Ji Hotel (Fuzhou Yantaishan Park, Shangsan Road)
Address: No. 32 Shangsan Road, Cangshan District, Fuzhou (Right side of Fujian Normal University entrance)
Standard rooms/queen rooms: Not exceeding RMB 330 per night per room
Hotel contact: +86 13306900613
Hilton Garden Inn (Cangshan, Fuzhou)
Address: Building B, Shanya Plaza, No. 216 Shangsan Road, Cangshan District, Fuzhou
Standard rooms/queen rooms: RMB 380 per night (special rate)
Hotel contact: +86 19235993386
Participants may also search online for other hotels near the university.
4. Dates for Registration & Conference
Registration:
Apirl 17, 2026, 14:00-18:00, Ji Hotel Lobby
Conference:
Apirl 18-19, 2026
Departure Date:
Apirl 20, 2026
5. Contact Information
Dr. Lu
Email: 281233363@qq.com
Dr. Zhang
Email: zhangpiaol 08@163.com
College of Foreign Languages
Fujian Normal University
December 2025
Appendix 1.
Participation Form.docx
