Language and Narratives

This theme focuses on language and narratives. We invite presentations that address and respond to these themes from various angles. Some examples could be:

• Restorative justice across languages: How does the word “restorative” translate in different languages and does it retain the same meaning in all cultures? What is the meaning of this word and its roots? Why do English speaking countries refer to restorative justice while so many other countries stick with penal mediation?
• Restorative justice beyond language: Do all participants understand words in the same way? How can people with different verbal and cognitive abilities be supported to participate actively in a process dominated by verbal communication?
• Restorative justice across borders: How do key restorative justice values and principles travel across cultural and relational borders? What is the role of restorative justice to undo borders?
• Restorative language and narratives: What are words that polarise (e.g. victim-offender labels), and which words restorative justice should cultivate?
• Restorative justice practices: Is the “script” really restorative? How can restorative justice be integrated and complement other practices (e.g. therapy)?  What practices have been useful to support citizens during the Covid-19 pandemic?
• Beyond restorative justice practices: What innovative non-verbal communication practices are emerging to engage people in dialogue (rituals, song writing, storytelling, drawing, movement, painting, gift making, diaries, letters)? How to connect with practices sharing the same restorative justice goals and values but not necessarily following the “restorative justice rules”?
• Restorative justice testimonies: What can we learn from experiences of practitioners and restorative justice ambassadors? What successful and unsuccessful stories can be shared from the field to further ameliorate restorative justice practices?