VAKKI Communication Research Association has been active in the fields of language for specific purposes (LSP), terminology science, multilingualism, and communication studies for over 40 years.
The association was launched in Vaasa, in the 1980’s in a time before research groups to support researchers in humanities, in particular language studies, in their everyday research work. It started as a venue where young and more mature researchers discussed their work “directly from the desktop” in informal evening gatherings. Subsequently, the association became more organized and active, and started organizing yearly symposia, at first in the Ostrobothnian countryside, later in the city of Vaasa, and recently even online, and publishing proceedings based on presented papers.
During the past 40 years, the VAKKI association has changed as the times have changed. The focus has gradually shifted from language studies towards communication studies, and the core in humanities has got new color from social sciences. However, what is left is the VAKKI atmosphere, where multidisciplinary thoughts and ideas are welcome and where everybody’s contribution is equally appreciated.