Applied linguistics is a field that may not be immediately familiar to everyone, yet its significance touches many aspects of our daily lives. At its core, applied linguistics is about understanding and addressing real-world issues related to language. This importance will be highlighted at the International Association of Applied Linguistics (AILA) 60th Anniversary World Congress that will be held at the KLCC Convention Centre, Kuala Lumpur from 11-16 August 2024 (https://aila2024.com/).
This landmark event, hosted in Malaysia for the first time, will gather more than 1,600 delegates from 70 countries, including many of the foremost global experts in the field. AILA was founded at the International Colloquium of Applied Linguistics at the University of Nancy, France in 1964. It is an international federation of national and regional associations of applied linguistics with a membership of more than 8,000 worldwide, including researchers, policy makers and practitioners.
AILA emphasises that applied linguistics is an interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary field focussing on practical problems of language and communication. The association pursues a number of priorities to address accelerating global challenges such as climate change, pandemics and threats to human rights, particularly the rights of women and girls, and marginalised communities, to education and equality. Applied linguists actively engage in applying their expertise to meet these challenges.
In the face of increasing scientific, technological and social complexity and demands for ever-increasing productivity, interdisciplinary research is crucial. Meeting these needs as single discipline projects are increasingly rare in practice. The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) adopted by the worlds’ nations in 2015 demand interdisciplinary research grounded in real world problems to tackle global challenges. Awareness of global agendas, the ability to incorporate other disciplinary knowledge, and collaboration with professionals working in other fields are essential. Engagement with policy-makers and the public is equally important.
AILA aims to contribute to the achievement of the SDGs. There is heightened awareness of social issues among applied linguists, including in the context of eliminating poverty, providing quality education, reducing inequality, and action on climate change. Language and communication are crucial enabling factors for societies to collaborate and to become more inclusive. Applied linguistics research significantly contributes by bridging gaps between experts and non-experts and fostering effective global cooperation. To create an impact, applied linguists need collaboration and partnerships across disciplines.
Solutions to many global issues are best pursued through regional and interregional collaboration. The relevant contributions of applied linguistics and language education research to the SDGs can be seen in several areas:
Studies on language policy and quality education and studies on language and mother-tongue (SDG 4 Quality Education).
Studies on language and gender equality (SDG 5 Gender Equality).
Studies on language in the workplace, law, business and minority languages (SDG 8 Decent Work and Economic Growth).
Studies in linguistic diversity in modern cities (SDG 11 Sustainable Cities and Communities).
Studies on the role of language in health care and well-being (SDG 3 Good Health and Well-being).
Studies on the role of language in promoting peaceful and inclusive societies, and protecting fundamental freedoms ( SDG16 Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions).
AILA’s regionalisation efforts have led to the formation of regional networks within the association. Leveraging these networks, along with the increased interconnectedness driven by the pandemic, can create opportunities for applied linguists to collaborate globally. Encouraging joint engagements and exchanges will diversify the ways knowledge flows across the globe, enriching dialogue.
The AILA 2024 Congress is not just another conference. Under the theme “Linguistic Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Sustainability”, it will showcase the importance of linguistic diversity for a more inclusive and sustainable society. The Congress will bring together some of the brightest minds in applied linguistics and beyond, including researchers, practitioners, industry players and enthusiasts from around the world. It offers a unique platform for interdisciplinary dialogue, knowledge sharing, and collaboration on a wide array of topics related to language and communication.
Participants can look forward to cutting-edge presentations by experts and scholars, networking opportunities that foster collaboration in research, publications and projects, and professional development through workshops and discussions on best practices in applied linguistics. They will gain global perspectives, understand applied linguistics research in different contexts, and be inspired by the intellectually stimulating environment.
The Congress will highlight the fundamental role that applied linguists play in the global community, demonstrating how applied linguistics contributes to understanding and addressing global challenges.
Professor Emeritus Dr. Azirah Hashim is the President of the International Association of Applied Linguistics (AILA) and Founding President and Advisor of the Malaysian Association of Applied Linguistics (MAAL)
Last Update: 05/08/2024