News from Sibling Organizations
June 2026 AAALetter
Table of Contents
- AIALA: Multilingualism in Applied Linguistics | Michel Riquelme-Sanderson
AIALA: Multilingualism in Applied Linguistics
Michel Riquelme-Sanderson, Universidad Arturo Prat, Iquique, Chile
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representative to AIALA Ibero-America
AILA Ibero-America (AIALA) is a regional initiative within the International Association of Applied Linguistics (AILA) that serves as an important platform for multilingual collaboration and inclusive scholarship. Established in 2020 with the support of four AILA national affiliates — AAAL (United States), AMLA (Mexico), ALAB (Brazil), and AESLA (Spain) — AIALA brings together delegates from these affiliates as well as representatives from countries that do not yet have a formal AILA affiliate.
AIALA pursues three central goals: (a) fostering the creation of new AILA national affiliates in Ibero‑America; (b) promoting multilingual collaboration across the region and beyond; and (c) increasing representation of Ibero‑American applied linguists and languages within the global discipline. In doing so, AIALA reflects and actively engages with the linguistic diversity of the region, including Spanish, Portuguese, and Indigenous languages, while maintaining strong connections with global academic communities.
Recent highlights and multilingual milestones
Since 2020, AIALA has been actively involved in organizing and participating in a wide range of academic events, including symposia and panels at major conferences such as AAAL (2021–2026), AESLA (2022), AMLA (2022), and AILA World Congresses in Groningen (2021), Lyon (2023), and Kuala Lumpur (2024). It has also collaborated with regional organizations such as Abralin and the Paraguayan Association of Applied Linguistics (CONPLA), contributing to ongoing efforts to strengthen regional cooperation and scholarly exchange.
Recently, AIALA organized a special symposium for the AAAL Virtual Day (April 24, 2026). This session brought together scholars from Chile, Paraguay, Colombia, and Mexico (Yucatán Peninsula) and exemplified AIALA’s commitment to multilingual academic practice. The session was a practical enactment of AIALA’s core values, featuring research presented in Spanish, Portuguese, English, and Yucatec Maya. The symposium aligned with broader shifts within AAAL and AILA toward more inclusive conference practices and reinforced AIALA’s growing role in advancing justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion (JEDI) in applied linguistics.
Looking ahead: Regional expansion
AIALA continues to benefit from and contribute to its close relationship with AAAL. As a founding member, AAAL maintains an active role through the appointment of Dr. Michel Riquelme-Sanderson, AAAL representative, who participates in AIALA’s business meetings and reports back to the AAAL Executive Committee. This collaboration helps ensure that AAAL remains connected to developments in the Ibero-American region while supporting efforts to promote greater inclusivity and diversity within the global field.
The association is also experiencing continued regional growth. In 2026, the Chilean Association of Applied Linguistics (ALACHI) submitted a formal application to become an affiliate of AILA. This initiative signals increased engagement across Latin America and highlights the expanding network of scholars committed to multilingual and regionally grounded research. Similar initiatives in countries such as Paraguay and Colombia point to a broader momentum toward strengthening a network of scholars committed to multilingualism, equity, and international collaboration throughout the region.
Getting involved
For AAAL members, engaging with AIALA offers opportunities to collaborate across languages, regions, and research traditions. Members can:
- Attend and propose sessions: Look for AIALA‑affiliated panels at upcoming AILA and AAAL events and consider submitting proposals that feature multilingual formats or regional collaborations.
- Collaborate on research and teaching exchanges: Connect with AIALA delegates or the AAAL representative to explore joint projects, guest lectures, and co‑mentoring arrangements with scholars across Ibero‑America.
- Support affiliate development: Assist emerging groups in countries without AILA affiliates by connecting them with AIALA’s network and resources.
- Share and translate resources: Contribute bilingual or multilingual materials to help expand access and participation in applied linguistics.
Contact and further information
AAAL looks forward to strengthening ties with AIALA Ibero-America and supporting opportunities that advance equity and linguistic diversity in applied linguistics. To learn more, members can visit the AIALA Ibero-America website or contact AAAL representative, Dr. Michel Riquelme‑Sanderson, at michel_riquelme@hotmail.com
(This note was prepared with the support of Dr. Kyria Finardi, President of the International Association of Applied Linguistics (AILA) and Co-Founder & Coordinator of AIALA (AIALA), and Dr. Anne Marie Guerrettaz, AIALA Executive Committee and former AAAL representative to AIALA).