Our Mission

The American Association for Applied Linguistics (AAAL) is a professional society of scholars from the U.S., Canada, and over 50 other countries worldwide. Members use a wide variety of theoretical frameworks and methodological approaches to address a broad range of language-related issues that affect individuals and society. The mission of AAAL is to facilitate the advancement and dissemination of knowledge and understanding regarding language-related issues in order to improve the lives of individuals and conditions in society.

To accomplish this mission, AAAL

creates opportunities for scholarly communication and professional networking by hosting meetings and sponsoring publications;
raises public awareness of language-related issues by encouraging the dissemination of theoretical and research-informed insights to wider society; and
promotes the status of applied linguistics in the academy and in society by providing leadership and resources for professional development.

AAAL’s primary activity is a four-day annual conference, which typically takes place in March. Welcoming scholars from around the globe, the conference has a reputation as a comprehensive and stimulating professional event that offers thought-provoking plenary presentations; in-depth colloquia, paper sessions, poster sessions and roundtable discussions; professional development opportunities; excellent book exhibits; and plentiful opportunities for networking with applied linguists from North America and countries around the world.