On 27 October 2023, UNU-MERIT will host a presentation by Mohammad Khalaf on “The Impact of Telepresence Technologies on the Place Attachment of Syrian Refugees in the Netherlands”.
Advanced audiovisual technologies and means of digital communications (also known as telepresence technologies) have changed the concept of presence and mobility for their users. For instance, a person can attend a wedding in real time via video calling applications while physically being overseas. In other words, one can be present in multiple places at the same time.
This online seminar will discuss the impact of telepresence technologies on the perception of place and the attachment to homeland versus the new home of Syrian refugees in the Netherlands. The discussion will furthermore cover the consequences of such technologies on the behaviour and social integration of Syrian refugees in the Netherlands.
This event will be held via Zoom webinar. For updated information and webinar registration, visit the UNU-MERIT website.
About the speaker
Mohammad Khalaf is a sworn translator and interpreter (Arabic-English-Arabic) experienced in teaching languages. He currently teaches Arabic at Maastricht University and was previously a researcher in the Migration and Development Research Group at UNU-MERIT. He holds an MA in Media Studies from Maastricht University FASOS, and previously worked for the United Nations Relief and Work Agency in Syria for over a decade.
Read Khalaf's personal migration here.
