Text of Speech by President of AILA, Prof. Dr. Azirah Hashim on 12 August 2024
Excellencies, distinguished guests, esteemed colleagues, and dear friends,
A very good morning to all and a warm welcome to AILA 2024 and to the 60th anniversary of the founding of our Association. As we say in Malay, Selamat Datang. This milestone is not just a testament to the longevity of AILA, but a celebration of the remarkable journey we have undertaken together, our achievements, and the vibrant intellectual, academic and professional community we have built.
The theme of this congress, Linguistic Diversity, Equity, Inclusivity and Sustainability, reflects the dynamic and evolving nature of our field. As we know, applied linguistics is not just about studying language; it is about harnessing the power of language to address real-world problems, to bridge cultural divides, to enhance communication, and to foster inclusion and equality. Our work and its contribution to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals spans a wide range of areas and together, we are making significant strides in understanding and addressing some of the most pressing issues of our time.
Sixty years ago, a group of visionary scholars and practitioners came together with a shared mission: to explore the practical applications of linguistic knowledge and to use this understanding to address real-world challenges. They laid the foundation for what has become a dynamic, interdisciplinary field that spans education, technology, healthcare, social justice, and more.
Bernard Pottier from France, to whom I send our warmest best wishes on his centenary year, was the first President of AILA from 1964 to 1969. The second President was Pit Corder from the British Association and the third Guy Rondeau from the Canadian Association. Other founders who played a key role in the Association’s early days include John Trim, chair of BAAL who was vice-president of AILA and an honorary member and Gerhard Nickel of the German association who was Secretary-General for two terms.
We do not diminish in any way the contribution and achievements of AILA’s pioneers when we note that one of the successes of our Association is that it has evolved from the days when it was a predominantly male and Western body. It now celebrates a great range of scholars from a diversity of backgrounds, drawing on the talents of our world-wide membership. And, you will forgive me if I mention the particular pride I feel in this Congress being held in my home country, Malaysia for the first time.
Today, we honour those pioneers whose foresight and dedication gave birth to this Association. We reflect on the countless contributions of our members - past and present - whose research, teaching, and practice have advanced our understanding of language in all its complexity. We celebrate the innovations that have emerged from our collective efforts and the impact we have made on individuals, communities, and societies around the world. In relation to this, I am pleased to announce that an initiative that started three years ago has led to the creation of an archive on our website, making available past Newsletters, Bulletins and early issues of AILA Review to all members.
As we look back on six decades of progress, we recognise the transformative role of applied linguistics. Our work has revolutionised language teaching and learning, making education more inclusive and effective. We have helped to develop technologies that break down language barriers, enabling people to communicate and collaborate across borders. We have advocated for the preservation of linguistic diversity, championing the rights of minority language speakers. And we have addressed critical issues of social inequality, ensuring that language is a bridge, not a barrier, to opportunity and justice.
But this anniversary is not just about looking back; it is also about looking forward. The world today is more interconnected and more complex than ever before. The challenges we face - climate change, migration, technological change, and social inequality and others - require innovative and interdisciplinary approaches. Applied linguistics is uniquely positioned to meet these challenges, offering insights and solutions that are grounded in a deep understanding of language and communication. As we embark on this congress, let us remember that our collective efforts have the potential to make a difference in the lives of individuals and communities around the world.
This congress brings together a diverse community of scholars, educators, researchers, and practitioners who share a common passion for understanding and improving the intricate relationship between language and society. We have a rich programme of presentations, workshops, panel discussions, and networking opportunities. We will hear from leading experts in the field, explore cutting-edge research, and engage in stimulating debates. I encourage you all to take full advantage of these opportunities, to share your insights and experiences, and to build lasting connections with your fellow participants.
In closing, I would recall that applied linguistics is a field that thrives on collaboration, innovation, and a deep commitment to understanding and improving the human condition. Let us be inspired by the diversity and richness of our collective knowledge and experience. Let us embrace the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead with enthusiasm and determination. And let us continue to work together to advance the frontiers of applied linguistics, for the benefit of all.
Organising a world congress is not for the faint hearted. I would like to acknowledge the hard work and dedication of those who have made this event possible, first and foremost, Professor Shameem Rafiq-Galea and the Malaysian team and MP Events. From the organizing committee to the volunteers, sponsors, and partners, your contributions are invaluable, and we are very grateful for your support.
I extend my heartfelt gratitude to all participants. Your presence and your contributions have brought us to this momentous occasion, and your continued engagement will drive us forward into a future full of promise and potential.
For many of you this will be your first visit to Southeast Asia, a region renowned for its rich cultural and linguistic diversity, famed for its vibrant cities, stunning landscapes and warm hospitality. I am pleased that your journey begins in Malaysia.
In closing, let us celebrate this milestone with pride and joy. Let us honour our past, embrace our present, and look to the future with hope and determination. Here’s to the next sixty years of discovery, innovation, and impact in applied linguistics!
Thank you and with best wishes to all for a fruitful and inspiring congress.
Azirah Hashim
President of AILA, 2021-2024
12 August 2024
Text of Speech by President of AILA, Prof. Dr. Azirah Hashim on 16 August 2024
Dear Colleagues and Friends,
It is an immense honour to have been part of this week’s wonderful Congress. I extend my heartfelt thanks to the people who made it all possible and to the participants who have made it such a memorable occasion worthy of AILA’s 60th anniversary.
Over the course of the week, we have shown the true potential of AILA not just in demonstrating the reach of our field of endeavour but also highlighting the importance of collective efforts in shaping the future of our domain.
I want to thank the congress organizers, Steering Committee - Chair: Shameem Rafiq-Galea, Deputy Chair: Cecilia Cheong, Zarina Othman, Cordelia Mason, Daniel Chow, Shahrina Mohd. Nordin, Congress advisor: Christina Gitsaki, and others too many to mention. Your dedication, hard work, and meticulous planning have brought us together for an unforgettable experience.
A special thanks to our presenters. Your insights, expertise, and willingness to share your knowledge have been truly inspiring. The discussions and ideas exchanged during this congress have not only enriched our minds but have also paved the way for future innovations and collaborations.
To my fellow attendees, thank you for your active participation and enthusiasm. Your engagement has made this conference a vibrant and dynamic space. The connections we’ve made and the knowledge we’ve gained will undoubtedly have a lasting impact on our respective fields. I was especially impressed by the energy and enthusiasm of our junior colleagues from around the world. We can all take great satisfaction in the prospects of our discipline and our association in the years to come. And of course a source of particular pride for me personally and my Malaysian and Southeast Asian colleagues is that AILA has gathered in Kuala Lumpur for this event.
It is with a mixture of gratitude, pride, and some sadness that I deliver my final address as President of our Association. Serving in this role has been the greatest honour of my life and, reflecting on my tenure and examining past documents in the AILA archive, I am reminded of the many milestones that have passed since the founding of AILA in 1964. From ground breaking research initiatives to impactful congresses and affiliates’ conferences, from fostering international collaboration to advocating for linguistic diversity and social justice, our association has continued to thrive, staying true to our mission while also adapting to the changing landscape of our field.
I am particularly proud of the strides we have made in several key areas over the past number of years.
- Cutting-edge research that addresses real-world problems, contributing to advances in education, technology, health care, and social inclusion. Our research and collaborative projects have not only pushed the boundaries of our knowledge but have also had a tangible impact on communities around the world.
- The AILA Review Journal, the Scopus-indexed journal published by John Benjamins. Members can access issues of the journals through the AILA website. We have now digitised early print issues and these are also available on the website.
- The recent creation of an AILA archive ensuring that the board and members have full access to the Association’s history and previous strategies and decisions. The archive will be a valuable asset for researchers, historians, and members interested in exploring the Association’s history, activities and impact.
- The fruits of our efforts can be seen in the diversity of our association, ensuring that voices from different linguistic, cultural, and disciplinary backgrounds are heard. This inclusivity has enriched our work and strengthened our community. Efforts can be seen through the diversity of our Board, the conferring of Solidarity awards, the establishment of committees such as the Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusivity committee, the Endorsement of best practices committee and others.
- AILA Research Networks (ReNs) and seminars providing members with access to valuable resources, mentoring and networking opportunities. These initiatives have supported career growth and fostered a spirit of lifelong learning. One new development in this regard is the Early Career Researchers - ASEAN and Australia network within AILA. There was also a large presence of Early Career Researchers at the Congress.
- Forging of partnerships with organisations and institutions around the world, facilitating international collaboration and knowledge exchange. Connections with UN bodies - UNESCO, International Organisation for Migration, UNICEF etc. - was seen in this Congress and in the AILA Research Networks. These connections have enhanced our global reach and impact.
- Hybrid congresses. The experiences and learnings from the AILA Congress Lab will help develop a new format for the AILA World Congress to be more inclusive, more inspiring, and more relevant in the future.
- New technologies for conferences and meetings have enabled greater participation and engagement, even in challenging times. Several online meetings by members of the Executive Board have been held with affiliates during the past few years. These have helped us to learn about concerns and to exchange views on how AILA can better assist affiliates.
- Advocating for Linguistic Diversity. Members have been strong advocates for the preservation and promotion of linguistic diversity. Several symposia at this Congress highlight this. Our advocacy efforts have influenced language policies and practices at both national and international levels.
It has been a privilege to work alongside such a talented and diverse group of individuals, and I am deeply grateful for your trust and collaboration.
As I step down from my role as President, I extend my heartfelt thanks to members of the Executive Board during my term as President: Vice President Kyria Finardi, Past President Daniel Perrin, Secretary-General Laura Gurzynski-Weiss, Treasurer Marlies Whitehouse, ReN Coordinator Glenda Gamal, Publications Coordinators Low Ee Ling and Limin Jin, Members at Large Susanna Nocchi, Tarja Nikula, Markus Bieswanger and Maria Louisa Carrio-Pastor, Webmaster Zahadin Omar, and Secretary Avizia Long.
Their wisdom, support, and hard work have been central to AILA’s progress over the past three years. And it has been an honour and privilege to work with them.
I am confident that our association is in excellent hands. Our incoming president and Executive Board bring a wealth of experience, vision, and dedication to AILA and I have no doubt that they will lead our association with distinction and innovation during their term in office.
To my successor, Kyria Finardi, Vice President Markus Bieswanger, Secretary-General Glenda Gamal, Treasurer Rasmus Steinkrauss, Publications Coordinators Susanna Nocchi and Chris Jenks, ReN Coordinator Gregory Miras, Congress Coordinator Christina Gitsaki, and Members at Large – Low Ee Ling, Tarja Nikula, Maria Louisa Carrio-Pastor and Kendall King, I offer my full support as Past President and best wishes as you embark on this exciting journey. I am confident that all of you will build on our foundations and lead our association to great heights.
Finally, to all of you, my dear colleagues and friends, thank you for your trust, your collaboration, and your passion for applied linguistics as demonstrated at this Congress. It has been an honour to serve as your President, and I look forward to continuing to work alongside you as we advance our shared mission. Please accept my warmest best wishes for each and every one of you for the future.
Terima kasih dan Selamat Jalan.
Azirah Hashim
President of AILA, 2021-2024