Welcome to Berlin

Language diversity is a reality in Europe, and the variety of languages and cultures enriches us all. French ‘savoir-faire,’ the British sense of humour, southern European joie de vivre, and Nordic tolerance, all these have their own linguistically diverse forms of expression. Anyone with mastery of more than one language can share more easily in Europe’s cultural wealth, which does not of course end at Europe’s current political boundaries. In any combination, whether English or Turkish, Russian or German, multilingualism promotes understanding, facilitates freedom of movement, and helps to overcome barriers. Multilingualism is culturally enriching!

It is therefore even more important, as Europe grows closer together, to keep our attention focussed on the people whose participation in social life is impeded by voice, speech or language disorders. Speech and language therapists in Europe understand that this is a particular challenge, as the title of the congress indicates. How can we take appropriate account of cultural differences and linguistic diversity in the diagnosis and treatment of people with disorders of voice, speech and language? How can multilingualism be adequately represented in theoretical models of language processing? What research findings can stimulate our therapeutic work with multilingual people? This congress offers a good opportunity for us to inform ourselves on these and other similar questions, and to exchange ideas with European experts.

To ensure European communication, the presentations can be listened to in German French or English, and in the lobbies of the Berlin Congress Centre ‘European’ can also be spoken. Professional exchanges, and the chance to experience Europe at first hand, all adds up to a working holiday in all the countries of Europe at the same time. CPLOL participants are well known for their cheerful celebrations when the work is done. For Berlin, the party is already planned and prepared. So don’t let this unique opportunity pass you by. Europe is warmly invited as our guest in Berlin, for discussions about European speech and language therapy, professional exchanges and happy celebrations. CPLOL and the DBL are looking forward to your arrival.

Dr. Monika Rausch
Präsidentin des dbl e. V.

Dear colleague,

I am delighted to welcome you to the 6th CPLOL Congress, taking place in Berlin on September the 15th to 17th this year.

This year CPLOL has chosen the theme “Multilingualism and multiculturalism in Europe”.

Multilingualism and multicultural aspects influence our daily lives. As Europe grows larger, the population needing speech and language therapy in their mother tongue, or maybe in a shared language with the therapist, will increase as well. The role of the speech and language therapist within Europe needs to be analysed and developed. We need to take account of our profession’s commitment to efficacy and respect for the individuality of each client and therapist.

This Congress may help to aim explicitly at developing this awareness and provide theoretical and practical background ideas as well as solutions in this new context. Hopefully, the congress will stimulate political attention at a location where politicians keenly observe issues which relate to their interests. We hope that the Congress will contribute to the development and promotion of Speech and Language Therapy in Europe.

Berlin, the selected location for the scientific congress, is the capital of Germany and is at the heart of a large multicultural and multilingual society.

The organising committee is well aware, of course, that the printed programme is only a small part of the Congress – it is the opportunity to talk to and discuss with others that is so important. We hope you will feel that, as well as learning, there is plenty of time for conversation and enjoyment, meeting new and old friends.

We hope to see as many professionals (in the field of speech and language
therapy) as possible, from all over Europe in Berlin. Welcome!

With every good wish and looking forward to meeting you in Berlin,

Birgitta Rosén-Gustafsson
President, CPLOL