News

Prof. Kęstutis Nastopka / Vilnius Universitety Library photo

The 2025 issue of Semiotika ("Literary Organon") is dedicated to the memory of the journal's founder and long-time editor, Professor Kęstutis Nastopka (1940-2024). The counterpoint is Nastopka's view that semiotics should not be understood as a canon providing a list of definitive answers, but as an organon - a constant quest. The professor's encouragement to test the theory with concrete analyses, primarily of literature and mythology, while remaining open to texts of all kinds and genres, orients this publication towards an organic style of questioning. The main subject of this issue - literature, and thus literary research - is not taken for granted value, but rather a theme that requires rethinking and discussions. Recalling Nastopka's idea that the questions arising for the researcher are always questions for himself, this publication proposes the following questions for consideration:

• What is remaining of the traditional definition of literature? What is the position of literature in the current media and art systems?  Do we already live in a post-literary world?
• What is the role of literature in the face of war conflicts, pandemics, and other cataclysms?
• Is literary theory still relevant?
• What are the perspectives of literary semiotics and the possibilities of links with other methods?
• Is there a mythic dimension to literature in contemporary texts?
• What is characteristic of the language of contemporary poetry?
• What is undoubtedly valuable, and what invites polemics in Kęstutis Nastopka's research?

The deadline for article submissions is July 31, 2025.

Semiotika is an open-access and peer-reviewed research journal. It publishes original papers in Lithuanian, English, and French. The journal does not charge article processing charges or submission charges.  Please refer to the Authors Guidelines section for more detailed information.

 Image credit: Ugnė Andriejūnaitė

The International Student Conference "English Studies 2025: Discourse and Society", which will take place on 10-11 April in the Department of Philology.

This annual conference aims to provide a platform for students to present and discuss their research in English Studies, focusing on the role of discourse in language, literature and cultural representation. Its aims include fostering interdisciplinary conversations, bringing together students and scholars from different English Studies disciplines, providing an opportunity to link theoretical knowledge with practical research, and encouraging the development of critical thinking, creativity and interdisciplinary collaboration, encouraging the analysis of the impact of language on societal norms, values and cultural narratives.

The conference has become an international event, attracting students from different countries. The international aspect has not only broadened the exchange of ideas, but has also helped students to deepen their understanding of perspectives in English Language and Literature and Cultural Studies. Presentations by foreign scholars and a series of seminars organised by our faculty colleagues have enriched the conference experience, allowing participants to deepen their research and expand their academic network.

The conference becomes a dynamic platform for students to present their research and receive valuable feedback from faculty and peers. This contact with professors and other students fosters intellectual growth. Students become more aware of their academic skills and how they relate to their future careers.

It is also an opportunity to meet with colleagues, lecturers and other academic and social partners and to share experiences and ideas that will contribute to the development of their future visions for the study of the English language, literature and culture.

This conference is an important event for the academic community in English Studies. It has contributed to the professional development of generations of students of English Philology and English Studies.

 The link to the conference page can be found here.

You can find the event programme here.

The Book of Abstracts can be found here.

The LKVTI Literature Seminar will be held in English and will take place on Tuesday, 1 April, at 11 am in Jonas Balkevičius Auditorium.

This time, our speaker will be a post-doctoral fellow from the Centre for Studies in Comparative Literature at the Faculty of Philology Daria Semenova.

The topic of her presentation:

How postcolonial studies can help research Eastern European literatures and cultures today

The abstract of the presentation:

Postcolonial criticism has been an important analytical strain in cultural and literary studies in Western academia since the 1970s. However, for the few notable exceptions, there has been a reluctance to apply the paradigm of postcolonial studies to the cultural aspects of the domination by the Russian Empire and the Soviet Union over the conquered territories and satellite states in Eastern and Central Europe. Some change has been brought by the understanding of the colonial nature of Russia's war against Ukraine and the need for continued cultural decolonization to counter the neo-imperial ambitions of the "Russian world." This presentation offers an introductory overview of the topic.

Daria Semenova is primarily interested in the potential of genre fiction to shape the readers’ understanding of the world and themselves. She obtained her PhD in Slavic Languages and Literatures from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in 2023, with a dissertation entitled “At Home and Away: Community Belonging in Polish, Russian, and Ukrainian Adventure Fiction, 1918-1960.” Her new research project is dedicated to space and memory in Ukrainian fiction for children and young adults since independence.

Those who cannot attend, please connect to the seminar via Zoom.

We look forward to seeing you all at the Seminar!

On 17 of March, a group of Smith College students from the USA, led by Justin Cammy, Professor of Judaic and Jewish Literature, visited the Faculty of Philology.

The group, who were travelling to places of Jewish memory in Lithuania and Poland, were welcomed by the Dean of the Faculty of Philology at Vilnius University, Prof. Mindaugas Kvietkauskas, who invited them to participate in the traditional commemoration of the Day of the Jewish Rescuers at the Faculty of Philology. During the event, the Jewish rescuers and victims of the Holocaust were honoured. "Let us be brave for our country, more decent to each other, and more honest about our historical past. Let us have heart and mind; let us brighten and lighten the lives of others," said Prof. Rimvydas Petrauskas, Rector of Vilnius University.

The Dean of the Faculty invited the students who attended the event to a lecture on multicultural Vilnius. "The remembrance, reconstruction, and research of the Jewish heritage are processes that testify to the maturity of our democratic society," said the Dean of the Faculty of Philology, Prof. M. Kvietkauskas, to the Smith College students attending the lecture.

The Day of Rescuers of Lithuanian Jews, 15 March, is an exceptional commemorative date dedicated to remembering and honouring the brave Lithuanian people who saved Jews during the Nazi occupation, risking the freedom and life of themselves and their families. The first official commemoration of this day took place on 15 March 2023, when the names of the Jewish rescuers – Righteous Among the Nations and Lithuanian citizens awarded the Life Saving Cross – were solemnly read in the Simonas Daukantas courtyard at Vilnius University (VU) in tribute to the memory of the victims of the Holocaust.

“This is a special day that reminds us of the true splendour of humanity. With utmost respect and gratitude, we remember the brave, noble-hearted people who, even in the darkest moments of our history, did not succumb to fear – they remained dignified, they gave hope and, risking their freedom and life, saved others. It is especially important that this commemoration becomes not only meaningful, but also a cherished tradition,” said Prime Minister Gintautas Paluckas, honorary patron of the event.

This year, we invite you to mark this day and contribute to the commemoration of the rescuers’ memory at 15:00 on 17 March (Monday) in Simonas Daukantas courtyard at Vilnius University (Universiteto g. 5), by reading their names during the event.

The Seimas of the Republic of Lithuania declared this date as commemorative for a significant reason – it was on 15 March 1966 that VU librarian Ona Šimaitė was honoured with the title of Righteous Among the Nations. Ona Šimaitė, who had permission to visit the Vilnius Ghetto in order to, allegedly, return books, established contact with the people imprisoned there when bringing in the bare necessities. On her way out, she saved manuscripts, valuable publications, and even people. During the Nazi occupation, she helped dozens of Jews for which she was arrested and sent to Dachau Concentration Camp.

“The third annual commemoration of the Day of Rescuers of Lithuanian Jews, organised by the Government and the University, demonstrates a meaningful new tradition. It is important that the commemoration is joined by as many different communities and young people as possible. We want history to remain preserved and become a lesson for responsible decisions of the present,” said VU Rector Prof. Rimvydas Petrauskas.

At the centre of this historical memory are ordinary but brave and humane people from different backgrounds: politicians, scientists, priests, teachers, peasants, artists. Among them – President of Lithuania Kazys Grinius, poet and playwright Balys Sruoga, Landsbergis and Sondeckis families, and the famous VU librarian Ona Šimaitė. All of them prove that in difficult times, noble values, respect for the life of others, and fidelity to humanity transcend fear.

Although the most important commemorative date is 15 March, various commemorations and events take place throughout the week or even month. In 2025, as every year, events are organised throughout Lithuania. 

This year, continuing the meaningful tradition, the commemoration is organised on 17 March at 15:00 in Simonas Daukantas courtyard at Vilnius University. During the event, the names of those who rescued Jews will be read in tribute to the memory of the victims of the Holocaust. The event will be attended by the top government officials, politicians, families of the Jewish rescuers, members of Jewish Community of Lithuania, representatives of the international community, and VU lecturers and students.

If you wish to participate, please register in advance here. The event is open to the public; therefore, everyone who wishes to express gratitude and respect for those who were not afraid to help others during the war is welcome.

Credits: Jonas Paršeliūnas

We are thrilled to invite our dear partnerts to participate in the Blended Intensive Programme (BIP) "Orient in Lithuania and Turkology Studies", hosted by the Faculty of Philology at Vilnius University!

This unique opportunity is designed specifically for academic and non-academic staff under the Erasmus+ Staff Mobility for Training framework – following the same procedures and agreements as a standard training visit.

BIP Dates:

• Virtual Component: April 24, 2025
• Physical Mobility in Vilnius: May 12–16, 2025 

Location: Vilnius, Lithuania
Main Language: Turkish

Why Join Us?

This BIP is a one-of-a-kind opportunity to explore Lithuanian history, culture, and Turkology studies through engaging lectures, seminars, and field trips. Lithuania is home to diverse communities, including the Lithuanian Tatars and Karaites, who have contributed to the country’s rich cultural and historical landscape for centuries. Through this program, participants will:

• Gain in-depth knowledge of Lithuania’s multi-ethnic history and cultural contexts.
• Visit historical sites and museums to experience history first-hand.
• Engage with Turkologists from Turkey, Poland, and Germany, fostering professional and academic collaboration.
• Share their own experiences and expertise in an internationally enriching environment.

 Who Can Participate?

This BIP is open exclusively to university staff (both academic and administrative). Whether you are involved in teaching, research, or administration, this is a fantastic chance to broaden your perspectives and exchange best practices!

 How to Apply?

The process is simple! Since this BIP follows the same Erasmus+ Staff Mobility for Training procedures, all you need to do is nominate interested colleagues and guide them through the Erasmus+ mobility application at your institution.

For further details, please contact the Head of the BIP Prof. Galina Miškinienė by e-mail galina.miskiniene@flf.vu.lt.

We would be delighted to welcome your staff members to Vilnius University, Faculty of Philology, and create a truly enriching experience together.
Looking forward to seeing you in Vilnius

You can find the program here.

On 3–7 March, Vilnius University (VU) is holding its first emotional well-being week “Let’s Talk About It” which is dedicated to open and professional discussion on the emotional challenges, health, and well-being of students. The aim of the week’s events is to raise mental health awareness as well as to foster a supportive community where everybody feels heard. The main focus will be put on the students – the stress they are under, the challenges they face in relationships, and the ways of improving their emotional health. The vision is for this emotional well-being week to become a tradition in the largest university in Lithuania.

“As an academic community, we place great emphasis on learning, growing, and improving; however, often forgetting the importance of taking care of our mental health and emotional resilience. That is why the emotional well-being week “Let’s Talk About It” is designed to facilitate understanding oneself and the relationship with oneself, others, and the environment,” says Sandra Četrauskienė, head of the Community Well-Being Division.

VU psychologists and specialists invite students to participate in various activities to learn more about supporting friends facing psychological challenges, creating a healthy relationship with oneself, recognising and managing academic stress, and international students are invited to share their experience with cultural differences. Another planned activity is art therapy, designed to deepen self-awareness through creative expression. The week will culminate in a discussion on sensitive topics of loneliness and seeking authenticity.

VU community comprises more than 24 thousand students whose growth as healthy and emotionally strong persons is as important as them gaining knowledge. Emotional health is not a strictly individual matter, it also involves building meaningful relationships, maintaining psychological resilience, and navigating academic and personal challenges.

To register for the events, click here.

PROGRAMME

Seminar “How to Support a Friend Facing Psychological Challenges?”(in Lithuanian)

We are all familiar with the feeling when someone confides in us, sharing their struggles, and we find ourselves uncertain about the right words to say or the best way to respond. In this seminar, a psychologist will share how to reach a place of calmness and certainty in difficult conversations.
Time: Monday, 3 March, 13:00–14:30
Place: Room 239, the central premises
Address: Universiteto g. 3, Vilnius

Seminar “Relationship with Oneself Following the Principles of Gestalt Therapy” (in Lithuanian)

What is my relationship with myself? What do I feel in the present moment? How to understand myself in fostering relationships with others? In this seminar, VU Community Psychologists will guide you on the journey of self-discovery following the principles of Gestalt therapy.
Time: Monday, 3 March, 15:00–16:30
Place: TSPMI Garden Conservatory
Address: Vokiečių g. 10, Vilnius

Workshop “Art Therapy – What Does My Inner World Look Like?” (in Lithuanian)

Embark on a vibrant journey of self-discovery, where art becomes a bridge between your inner world and the outside reality. This is a safe and open space for self-expression—where no painting is "good" or "bad," only unique experiences waiting to be explored together.

Time: Tuesday, 4 March, 13:00–14:30
Place: Room 238, the central premises
Address: Universiteto g. 3, Vilnius

Seminar “Studying with Stress and Anxiety Under Control – Mission Possible!” (in Lithuanian)

Pressure and anxiety are some of the most important challenges to overcome in order to reach your objectives in academics. It is essential to have tools to manage them when they become overwhelming.

Time: Wednesday, 5 March, 15:00–16:30
Place: Room 239, the central premises
Address: Universiteto g. 3, Vilnius

Open Discussion for International Students “Surviving Culture Shocks in Lithuania” (in English)

Moving abroad is an exhilarating adventure that promises new horizons and exciting experiences. However, alongside the thrill often comes the encounter with culture shocks – those fascinating, yet confusing moments. Join us for an open discussion to talk about your unique experiences and connect with those on a similar journey.

Time: Wednesday, 5 March, 13:00–15:30
Place: Room 239, the central premises
Address: Universiteto g. 3, Vilnius

Discussion on Relationships and Authenticity “Feeling Lonely Amongst People” (in Lithuanian)

Everybody wishes to be heard and understood. However, showing your true self to others can sometimes be scary, causing feelings of uncertainty and fear of rejection. Here, the topic of authenticity will be discussed: why we hide our true selves, how to create sincere relationships, and how to learn to accept others and ourselves.

Time: Friday, 7 March, 13:00–14:30
Place: Room 225, Saulėtekis
Address: Saulėtekio al. 9, Connecting Premises II, Vilnius

Film Night at St Johns’ Church “Išgyventi vasarą” (“Summer Survivors”) (in Lithuanian)

Come to a unique film night, the showing of a multi-award winning Lithuanian film “Išgyventi vasarą” (“Summer Survivors”). The film portrays common mental health challenges, relationships, and empathy. The showing will be followed by a discussion on the topics explored in the film.

Time: Friday, 7 March, 17:00–20:00
Place: the Chapel of the priest Alfonsas Lipniūnas, St Johns’ Church
Address: Šv. Jonų g. 12, Vilnius

On the occasion of the 10th anniversary of the Hungarian Lecturer in Vilnius University, István Báthory Cultural Association of Hungarians in Lithuania, the Embassy of Hungary in Vilnius and the Hungarian Lecturer organizes an international scientific conference on teaching less widely taught languages. The blended conference takes place at Vilnius University and online on 16-17 May 2025.

International and Lithuanian applied linguists and language teachers are welcome at the conference to share their professional experience and scientific research.

Registration for speakers is open until 31 March 2025. More information is available at www.lvd.lt/conference/