• Linguistic Diversity, Inclusion and Sustainability

    21st AILA World Congress Kuala Lumpur 2024

    CALL FOR PAPERS

    Find out more

  • On Hot Topics in the Field

    AILA Review: Two Issues per Year

    more

What is AILA

AILA is the acronym for Association Internationale de Linguistique Appliquée or International Association of Applied Linguistics. AILA (originally founded in 1964 in France) is an international federation of national and regional associations of Applied Linguistics. AILA has a membership of more than 8.000 individuals worldwide who as researchers, policy makers or practitioners are active in the field of Applied Linguistics.

Applied Linguistics is an interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary field of research and practice dealing with practical problems of language and communication that can be identified, analysed or solved by applying available theories, methods and results of Linguistics or by developing new theoretical and methodological frameworks in Linguistics to work on these problems. Applied Linguistics differs from Linguistics in general mainly with respect to its explicit orientation towards practical, everyday problems related to language and communication. The problems Applied Linguistics deals with range from aspects of the linguistic and communicative competence of the individual such as first or second language acquisition, literacy, language disorders, etc. to language and communication related problems in and between societies such as e.g. language variation and linguistic discrimination, multilingualism, language conflict, language policy and language planning.

 

Upcoming Events

 

 

Highlights UNESCO Chair Intercultural Competences Newsletter

The newsletter reports on the UN Summit of the Future which happened in September in New York City, USA, with the theme “Multilateral Solutions for a Better Tomorrow” where member states agreed on working on seven pillars: governance reform, climate action, technology for the common good, human rights, peace and security, and strengthened multilateral partnerships prioritizing the interests of future generations in global decision-making. UN Secretary-General António Guterres emphasized that while war is a choice, so is peace.

In what regards the role of applied linguists in the creation of conditions for this peace, we highlight some of the issues that were addressed in the summit that are of special relevance to us: 

  1. Emphasis on Intercultural Dialogue:
    • The summit stressed the importance of intercultural and intergenerational dialogue in peacebuilding and global cooperation, highlighting the role of language in fostering understanding across cultures.
  2. Focus on Human Rights:
    • Discussions around human rights included the protection of marginalized populations, emphasizing the need for linguistic accessibility in education and healthcare to ensure universal rights.
  3. Global Governance and Communication:
    • The call for global governance reform includes improving communication strategies within international frameworks, which is critical for effective collaboration among diverse language groups and populations.
  4. Educational Initiatives:
    • The summit’s focus on education aligns with our endorsed goal of promoting language education that supports sustainable development, diversity and inclusion.
  5. Technological Impact on Language:
    • The discussions on the use of technology for the common good, especially regarding AI, raised important questions about language representation, ethics, and the need for multilingual capabilities in technological solutions. It also stressed the need for global ethical guidelines and reinforced cybersecurity.
  6. Multilingualism and Global Identity:
    • The summit highlighted the idea of a global identity which recognizes multilingualism, and we underscore the role of applied linguists in promoting language diversity, inclusion and equity. Noting that this is the most fraught time since World War II, themes from the Interactive Dialogue on Peace and Security included the importance of focusing on shared values, particularly around human rights, the need to embrace inclusivity in peacebuilding efforts and the role of solidarity to address causes of conflict. The importance of intercultural and intergenerational dialogue was also stressed.
  7. Partnerships and Collaborations:
    • The emphasis on partnerships and collaborations suggests opportunities to engage in projects that contribute to global initiatives and dialogue that promote diversity in addressing these pressing global challenges.

The newsletter also reports on the UNESCO Chair Forum which took place in Ethiopia with the theme "Transforming Knowledge for Africa's Future," convening over 500 scholars, policymakers, educators, and stakeholders from 90 countries to discuss pivotal issues in education, culture, science, and sustainable development. The forum aligned with Agenda 2063 and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, including discussions related to the recent Pact of the Future from the UN Summit. It emphasized the need for inclusive and principled dialogue to co-create visions for Africa’s future.

UNESCO Co-Chair Dr Divinia Jithoo also contributed with a report outlining her recent experiences and insights to international education, focusing on the importance of intercultural competence and equitable practices in higher education internationalization focusing on decolonial approaches. Her highlights include the need to address power dynamics in international partnerships and a discussion on the importance of languages, access to technology and virtual exchange for a more inclusive internationalization.

in featured stories / UNESCO

China English Language Education Association (CELEA)

  • The 2024 Annual Conference of China English Language Education Association will be held
    in Dalian on October 18-20, 2024. The theme of the conference is Interdisciplinary
    Integration and Collaborative Innovation: Enhancing the Overall Quality of Talent
    Cultivation.
  • More than 70 titles of The Key Topics Library, edited by Prof Wen Qiufang，Prof Sun
    Youzhong et al., have been published by Foreign Language Teaching and Research
    Press(FLTRP) in China. Written by more than 100 Chinese top scholars, this large-scale
    systematic library consists of 5 series: linguistics, applied linguistics, literature studies,
    translation studies, and intercultural studies. Focusing on a key topic, each work serves as a
    research guide for young researchers and presents Chinese perspectives for readers. With
    agreement with FLTRP, Taylor & Francis is planning to publish the English version of the
    Key Topics Library in the next few years.
  • English Test for International Communication, a local English proficiency test developed by
    Beijing Foreign Studies University, has just implemented its 7th remote online testing from
    home in August 2024. Until now, more than 400,000 candidates have taken the test, most of
    whom are university students and professionals. The test aims to assess test candidates’
    global competence and promotes the college ELT reform in China.

 



in Events / Past Events

Report Congress Kuala Lumpur 2024

AILA World Congress 2024: A Historic Diamond Jubilee in Kuala Lumpur, 11th -16th August 2024

Global Delegates Celebrate 60 Years of Linguistic Innovation

The 21st International Association of Applied Linguistics (AILA) World Congress concluded with great fanfare in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, marking a pivotal moment in the association’s 60-year history. Drawing over 1,700 onsite and online participants from across the globe, the congress not only celebrated AILA’s diamond jubilee but also underscored its continued influence in shaping the future of applied linguistics. Hosted by the Malaysian Association of Applied Linguistics (MAAL), this milestone event at the iconic Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre reflected both the rich heritage and the forward-thinking vision of the global linguistics community.

Against the dramatic skyline of the Petronas Twin Towers, the congress took on the theme "Linguistic Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Sustainability," sparking robust discussions on critical issues facing the field. With 14 thematic tracks, the event provided a platform for a wide range of research and ideas, making it a hub for academic exchange and collaborative innovation.

Bridging Cultures and Minds

Far more than just an academic symposium, the congress was a vibrant celebration of linguistic and cultural diversity. The opening ceremony featured a stunning showcase of Malaysian culture, with distinguished ambassadors, sponsors, and representatives from numerous countries in attendance. The congress was officiated by the President of AILA, Professor Azirah Hashim, the first Asian president of the Association. 80 successful recipients of the AILA Solidarity Awards were announced by the Chair of the Solidarity Awards committee, Prof. Kyria Finardi. The AILA Honorary Award was presented to Professor Wen Qiu Fang of the National Research Center for Foreign Language Education and the Consortium for Chinese Studies and Intercultural Communication, Beijing Foreign Studies University. 

More than 1200 papers were delivered in three modes - onsite, hybrid and online at the congress featuring an array of keynote papers, featured papers, symposia, workshops, individual papers and posters.  Six keynote papers were delivered onsite at the congress, featuring renowned applied linguists, Prof. Ingrid Pillar, Prof. Asmah Hj Omar, Prof. Catherine Nickerson, Prof. Enric Llurda, Prof. Low Ee Ling and Prof. Sinfree Makoni.  One of the highlights of the congress was the 60th Anniversary Plenary symposium on the ‘History of Applied Linguistics’ which was led by Prof. Richard Smith alongside a panel consisting of Prof. John E. Joseph, Prof. Azirah Hashim, Assoc. Prof. Ruanni Tupas, Prof. Cristine Severo, Prof. Claire Kramsch and Assoc. Prof. Ashraf Abdelhay. There was also UNESCO presence in the Special Symposium by the Asia-Pacific Multilingual Education Working Group comprising UNESCO Bangkok and UNICEF EAPRO on ‘Partnerships, Policies and Practices on First Language-Based Multilingual Education in Asia and the Pacific’.

Social gatherings were equally memorable. Delegates enjoyed an array of cultural activities, from a lively cultural welcome reception to the gala dinner at the Royale Chulan Hotel, which featured traditional fashion shows, music, and dance. The Malaysian satay evenings and city walkabouts offered attendees the chance to explore Kuala Lumpur’s vibrant cityscape while building lasting connections within the global linguistic community.

A Future of Collaboration and Impact

Chaired by Professor Shameem Rafik-Galea and co-chaired by Associate Professor Cecilia Yin Mei Cheong, the event supported by the MAAL Committee and members, MP Events (the professional congress organizer), and the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre team, was a powerful reminder of AILA’s continued leadership in fostering innovation, research, and social impact within the field of applied linguistics.

AILA’s incoming president, Professor Kyria Finardi delivered her aspirations for the future of AILA under her leadership for the next chapter of AILA's journey. The congress concluded on a high note, with Professor Rafik-Galea presenting awards for the best poster presentations and delivering her closing speech, culminating in a celebratory end to the five-day congress.

The organising committee of AILA 2024 extends their heartfelt thanks to all sponsors, particularly ELS Language Centres Malaysia, the Sime Darby Foundation and the Australian High Commission in Kuala Lumpur, as well as to delegates, publishers, and contributors who made this event a resounding success.

 

Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre

The Opening Cultural Troup

AILA President, Azirah Hashim's Opening Address

AILA 2024 Chair's Welcome Address

Kyria Finardi's Speech as Incoming President

The Final Gathering

The AILA 2024 Team

Gala Dinner

 Opening Ceremony

Cake Cutting:  HAPPY 60th ANNIVERSARY AILA!

AILA EBIC

The China Delegates

The AILA 2024 Delegates - Coffee Break

AILA 2024 Audience

Snapshots of AILA Sessions and Delegates

Making New Friends

Making New Friends



AILA 2024 Sessions

in Events / Past Events