Our Mission

(Revised November 12, 2021)

AAAL promotes high-quality and impactful research, professional networking, and intellectual development in all areas of applied linguistics. The Association supports ethical and informed understandings of language-related processes and practices from multiple research paradigms. AAAL is committed to building and sustaining just and equitable conditions for individuals, communities, and societies.

To accomplish this mission, AAAL

creates opportunities for scholarly communication, professional networking, and inclusive mentorship by hosting an annual conference and a variety of online events and by supporting academic and professional publications;
expands members’ capacity to do research for social betterment, to collaborate with communities, and to disseminate insights to the wider society;
promotes the status of applied linguistics in the academy by providing ethical and professional leadership as well as supporting scholarly development and professional advancement;
recognizes excellence in research, scholarship, advocacy, and public service via AAAL awards;
fosters the values of justice, equity, diversity and inclusion in the functioning of the Association and the implementation of its mission.

Who We Are:

The American Association for Applied Linguistics is a professional society of scholars from the United States, 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, communities, and society.

One of AAAL’s primary activities 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; intellectually stimulating colloquia, paper sessions, poster sessions, and roundtable discussions; professional development and mentoring opportunities; excellent book exhibits; and plentiful opportunities for networking with applied linguists from North America and countries around the world.