The aim of the Verein für niederdeutsche Sprachforschung (Association for Low German Studies) is to research the language and literature of Low German in all its wide variety of forms from the past to the present (as already stipulated in its original constitution from 25.08.1874). In this way, the association contributes to the understanding of cultural diversity in Europe and its preservation today.
Since 1875, the Association for Low German Studies has organised an annual conference (except during the wars), always in the week after Pentecost, mostly, but not always, in former Hanseatic cities in Germany or abroad. In 2024, the 136th annual conference will be held in Ghent. The conference, which provides a discussion forum bringing together experts, academics, teachers, students, as well as stakeholders outside academia. The conference is always spread over three days, with at least the middle day reserved for a specific theme. In 2024, the thematic focus will be “Middle Low German Language and Literature”, and cover the first two days of the conference. On the final day, recent research results on other topics from the field of Low German Studies (linguistics and literature) will be presented. The thematic presentations are selected via an open call for papers, the other lectures are selected from current research of interest to the Association, and solicited for the purpose.
The aim of the conference to provide a forum for the exchange of ideas for the currently more than 400 members of the Association, which include researchers from many countries in Europe and overseas, on new research developments and current projects in the field of Low German Studies. The conference traditionally offers space for a broad array of specialized discussions, which lead to the inspiration of new research projects.
A selection of the presentations at the annual conference is published in the peer-reviewed journal of the Association, the “Jahrbuch des Vereins für niederdeutsche Sprachforschung” (‘Annals of the Association for Low German Studies’).