Transnationalization Begins at Home

Transnationalization, digitalization and platformization are transformative processes that are reshaping public communication. In German communication studies, transnationallization is often perceived as something that happens “elsewhere”— in global media networks, international institutions, or at transnational interfaces. However, this view neglects the significant dynamics occurring in everyday life.

Transnationalization begins at home: in private spaces, through digital media, and within everyday communication practices. Home is more than a physical place; it is a communicative hub where transnational connections are created, maintained, and negotiated. This phenomenon is particularly evident in a pluralistic society like Germany, where around a quarter of the population has a migration background. In these contexts, identities, narratives, and affiliations are simultaneously locally rooted and globally networked.

This conference will critically examine the interplay of transnationalization, platformization, and diasporic communication, focusing of how digital technologies and everyday media practices shape these processes. Influencer culture, multilingualism, and micro-level negotiations of identity highlight the ways in which private spaces are connected to broader public discourses.

As the third EC4SC event under the Media and Public Sphere of Afghanistan (MPS-AFG) programme, this conference aims to explore these often overlooked micro-processes and integrate them into broader communication studies theories.

It seeks to uncover the power dynamics, communicative shifts, and methodological challenges associated with transnationalization and digital media in everyday contexts.

The conference also provides PhD students/candidates and graduates platforms to share their research proposals/designs and receive expert feedback and recommendations.

This year, we are introducing a dedicated panel for junior researchers, providing master’s students with a unique platform to present their research, gain academic exposure, develop professional skills, and connect with experts in the field. This initiative also offers an excellent opportunity to network with potential PhD supervisors. For the conference, it represents a step toward greater inclusivity and the integration of new perspectives into the discourse. If you are a master’s student conducting relevant research, we encourage you to submit your abstract and take advantage of this opportunity!

In addition, we are hosting an exclusive PhD workshop as part of the conference, bringing together professors, postdocs, and experts in diaspora communication. This workshop is designed for those who are considering or have recently started a PhD in this field and seek constructive feedback on their proposals or research topics. Participants will have the chance to present their work, receive insightful feedback from experienced scholars, and engage in meaningful academic discussions.