WALTIC - FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) What is WALTIC? WALTIC - the value of words, is the first literary world congress of its kind. For the first time ever, a thousand writers and translators from all over the world will gather in one common manifestation of the value of words and in support of human rights. The initiator and host of WALTIC 2008 is the Swedish Writers’ Union. Why WALTIC? WALTIC will take a stand in order to: * Increase literacy in the world Everyone has the right to learn how to read and write in their own language! That is why WALTIC requests that all countries of the world increase their national and international investments in alphabetization. *Safeguard freedom of expression Everyone has the right to express and spread their opinions! That is why WALTIC emphasizes the story as a source of knowledge and political power. *Strengthen authors’ rights Everyone has the right to own, use and represent their own literary or artistic work! That is why WALTIC demands thorough protection, on national and international level, the writers’ and the translators’ right to decide about their own work. Who are the WALTIC organizers? The Swedish Writers' Union (SFF), a union of writers and literary translators with approximately 2 600 members, is the initiator and host of WALTIC 2008. Since 1893, SFF has worked with financial, legal and social issues concerning the literary professions. One goal of SFF is to have a strong, integrated profession in which people can work together to reinforce the rights of writers and translators. Read more about The Swedish Writers' Union >> What is the aim of WALTIC? The aim of WALTIC is to work for a strong and integrated profession in which people can work together and strengthen authors’ and translators’ rights, thus helping to increase world literacy, safeguard the freedom of speech and strengthen copyright legislation. What is unique about WALTIC? WALTIC is a unique congress because it transcends boundaries. WALTIC is open to writers and translators as well as activists, politicians, NGO’s and academics concerned with WALTIC’s three main themes: literacy, intercultural dialogue and digitalization. What is going to happen at WALTIC? A thousand writers and translators from all over the world will gather to discuss three urgent global matters: literacy, intercultural dialogue and digitalization. The program include world famous writers and literary translators as well as leading scholars and innovative poets – with an even number of women and men. What languages will WALTIC be held in? The official language of WALTIC is English. Some of the lectures will be held in other languages with interpreting into English. Where will WALTIC take place? WALTIC will take place at Folkets Hus, City Conference Centre, Barnhusgatan 12-14 in central Stockholm. Who can I contact for more information? Spokespersons for WALTIC are: * Mats Söderlund, President of the Swedish Writers’ Union and WALTIC. Contact information: Phone: +46 70-524 53 66 E-mail: info@waltic.com * Gabriella Håkansson, Program Director for WALTIC. Contact information: Phone: +46 70-524 53 66 E-mail: info@waltic.com When will WALTIC take place? WALTIC will take place between 29 June and 2 July 2008. Apart from having full access to the seminar program, all delegates are invited to attend a welcome reception at Folkets Hus, City Conference Centre on 29 June at 5-8 PM and a reception at the Stockholm City Hall on 30 June at 7 PM. Will there be another WALTIC? Yes, the aim is to establish WALTIC as a recurring congress. During the congress, an announcement will be made concerning where and when the next WALTIC congress will be held. Who will participate at WALTIC? Writers and translators from all over the world will attend WALTIC. Invited speakers for WALTIC include: Abdelkader Benali, Alexis Wright, Alfian Bin Sa’at, Ana Menendez, Antije Krog, Antonia Arslan, Assia Djebar, Bharati Mukherjee, Binyavanga Wainaina, Calixthe Beyala, Charles Bernstein, Clara Janés, Dava Sobel, David Brookshaw, Dubravka Ugrešic, Eileen Julien, Elena Poniatowska, Farzaneh Taheri, Fataneh Farahani, Filip Florian, Frank Westerman, Gayatri Chakravorty Spivak, Gcina Mhlope, Giannina Braschi, Hans Rosling, Henning Mankell, Herta Müller, Ho Anh Thai, Horace Engdahl, Jamaica Kincaid, James English, Jean-Claude Guédon, Jonas Hassen Khemiri, Josef Haslinger, Karin Barber, Krister Stoor, Laura Restrepo, Leevi Lehto, Leonardo Valencia, Ludmila Ulitskaya, Mauro Covacich, Mayra Montero, Mia Couto, Mircea Cãrtãrescu, Muniz Sodré, Nancy Morejón, Nawal El Saadawi, Philip Pullman, Rodrigo Rey Rosa, Saliha Paker, Saša Stanišic, Shaun Tan, Simone Murray, Sonia Nimr, Stefan Helgesson, Tie Ning, Tsitsi Dangarembga, Türker Armaner, Uzodinma Iweala, Wu Ming I, and Yoko Tawada. For short biographies of the speakers, click here. For whom is WALTIC intended? WALTIC is primarily intended for writers and translators, but we warmly welcome activists, politicians, NGO´s and academics working in WALTIC’s three focus fields. A public program will be arranged in Stockholm in connection with WALTIC. It will mainly take place at Kulturhuset (International Writers’ Stage), Stockholm City Library and the International Library. More information about the public program will be announced soon!  (Free entrance for congress participants.) How do I register as a delegate? Follow the instructions on the Registration page. For further help with registration, you can contact waltic2008.registration@congrex.com. Who supports WALTIC? WALTIC would like to acknowledge the valuable contributions from our partners, sponsors and co-organizers.