Reading lives: the literature of life and the life of literature in intercultural education

The 22nd Oxford Conference investigated the meanings of life for literature in English. The event addressed the many ways in which the concept of 'Life' offers a provocative, problematic but indispensable model for talking about Literature - and Literature offers such powerful means to explore and understand Life.

Jonathan Bate, Ankhi Mukherjee and Paula Byrne relax in the gardens.

‘The Oxford Conference is an excellent, high quality event which is not only enjoyable, but also inspirational for those who attend. It changes views, plants new ideas, provides access to innovative resources, forms partnerships, develops networks, and showcases UK excellence, both in teaching and in the creativity of living writers.'

The 2007 conference was a great success - it was attended by 52 delegates from 34 countries, and speakers included the writers and academics Jonathan Bate, Peter Childs, Rachel Cusk, Victoria Glendinning, Andrew O'Hagan, Blake Morrison, Ankhi Mukherjee, Grace Nichols and Anne Whitehead.

Past conference themes include: Intercultural Awareness (2006), Reading Reputations (2005), Reading Worlds (2004), Reading Screens (2003) and Fresh Air in the Classroom (2002).

Smiles at the final reception.

For more information about the contributors and programme for the 2007 Oxford Conference, visit the British Council Seminars page.