Blending Minds and Machines: Figurative Language, Creativity, AI, and Computational Linguistics

9-11 September 2026

University of Valencia (Spain)

Faculty of Philology, Translation and Communication

The Faculty of Philology, Translation and Communication of the University of Valencia (Spain) and The Cognitive Linguistics applied Research group (CLaRe2025-671) are pleased to announce the 9th International Conference on Figurative Thought and Language (FTL9) —Blending Minds and Machines: Figurative Language, Creativity, AI, and Computational Linguistics, to be held in Valencia, 9–11 September 2026.

Continuing the successful tradition of previous FTL conferences (Thessaloniki 2014, Pavia 2015, Osijek 2017, Braga 2018, Sofia 2020, Poznań 2022, Genoa 2023, and Klagenfurt 2025), FTL9 aims to provide an international forum for discussing the dynamic interplay between figurative thought, language, and emerging technologies.

This edition highlights the ways in which artificial intelligence, computational linguistics, and cognitive modeling intersect with human creativity, metaphor, and figurative reasoning. We invite scholars and practitioners from diverse fields — including cognitive linguistics, AI and natural language processing, cognitive science, psychology, philosophy of mind, semiotics, literary studies, translation, and communication — to join us in exploring how minds and machines blend in the creation and interpretation of meaning.

FTL9 will feature:

• A general session and a number of theme sessions on specialized topics
• Keynote lectures by leading figures in cognitive linguistics and AI research
• The FTL Young Researchers’ Award
• Opportunities for networking, interdisciplinary exchange, and collaboration

Join us in the vibrant city of Valencia, at the heart of the Mediterranean, for three inspiring days of presentations, discussion, and creativity.

For inquiries, please contact the organizing team at clarecog@uv.es 

We look forward to welcoming you to Valencia!