Digital Preservation and Revitalisation of Endangered Scripts
A Sino-European Scholars' Workshop
23–24 October 2026
The issue of endangered, minoritised and marginalised writing systems has received remarkably little serious study, yet research suggests that as many as 90% of the approximately 300 scripts currently in use are to some degree threatened, some acutely.
This workshop will introduce the topic sequentially, starting with an examination of script loss in the ancient world to assess its causes and results, continuing with a panoramic survey of the forces threatening minority writing systems today, and concluding with a detailed investigation of the possible roles that digitisation may play in cultural revival through the strategy of script revitalisation.
In particular, the workshop (which will be held live by Lake Geneva and also online) will facilitate discussions between scholars and practitioners from different countries, cultures and disciplines, focusing on dialogue between Europe and China.
- Confucius Institute, University of Geneva, Switzerland
- In-person (max 20) + online
- Free of charge
- Languages: English and Chinese
Abstract submission:
Please submit your abstract (300–500 words), along with your name, position, and affiliation, via email to Dr Jue Wang Szilas () or Dr Chunfeng Zhang () by July 31, 2026. We will respond promptly upon receipt.
