If you study or teach about writing, language, linguistics, or language pedagogy, the 2026 calendar offers an exceptional range of conferences in North America, Europe, Australia, and Canada. This comprehensive guide helps you navigate the schedule, meet critical submission deadlines, and identify key themes, especially the impact of Artificial Intelligence on global language policy.
If you are considering attending any conference in person, remember to explore options on SabbaticalHomes for temporary housing or short-term rentals in these host cities.
Related: FAQ about Getting Started on SabbaticalHomes
Major North American Language Conferences
The North American schedule is anchored by large annual gatherings that punctuate the flow of the academic year.
Modern Language Association (MLA 2026)
The largest scholarly meeting in the humanities, the MLA convention brings together thousands of members to discuss new research and build their professional networks. The 2026 presidential theme, “Family Resemblances,” invites conversations about connections across literary, cultural, and linguistic traditions. The convention features hundreds of sessions on language, literature, writing, pedagogy, and media studies.
Keynote Speaker: Jack Halberstam, Professor of Gender Studies and English at Columbia University, will deliver the keynote address. Halberstam is renowned for groundbreaking work in queer theory and gender studies, including influential books such as Female Masculinity (1998) and The Queer Art of Failure (2011).
- Date: January 8–11, 2026
- Location: Toronto, Canada
- Social Media: X/Twitter: @MLAnews | Facebook: @modernlanguageassociation
- Hashtags: #MLA2026, #MLA26
American Association for Applied Linguistics (AAAL 2026)
AAAL’s annual conference welcomes scholars from around the globe with a reputation as a comprehensive and stimulating professional event that offers thought-provoking plenary presentations and in-depth colloquia. The conference facilitates the advancement and dissemination of knowledge regarding language-related issues in order to improve the lives of individuals and conditions in society. With sessions spanning multiple strands of applied linguistics, AAAL is a premier venue for cutting-edge research in the field.
- Date: March 21–24, 2026
- Location: Chicago, Illinois, USA
- Social Media: X/Twitter: @AAALinks | Instagram: @AAALOrg
- Hashtag: #AAAL2026, #AppliedLinguistics
Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL 2026)
The TESOL 2026 International Convention in Salt Lake City will celebrate TESOL’s 60th Anniversary, bringing together English language teaching colleagues from around the world. With thousands of attendees, hundreds of education sessions, and 60+ exhibits, TESOL is the largest professional development event in the English language teaching field. In lively interactive sessions, participants develop a global perspective through the exchange of ideas, research, and practices.
- Date: March 24–27, 2026
- Location: Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
- Social Media: X/Twitter: @TESOL_Assn | Instagram: @tesol_assn
- Hashtag: #TESOL, #TESOL2026
American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL 2026)
ACTFL is an individual membership organization of more than 10,000 language educators and administrators from elementary through graduate education, as well as government and industry, dedicated to improving and expanding the teaching and learning of all languages. The organization has had a significant impact on foreign language education. While an official theme is pending, the organization’s focus will center heavily on the implementation of the “World Readiness Standards Roadmap.”
- Date: November 20–22, 2026
- Location: San Antonio, Texas, USA
- Social Media: X/Twitter: @ACTFL | Facebook: @ACTFL
- Hashtag: #ACTFL2026, #ACTFLSideBar
The New Frontier: Artificial Intelligence and Language Research
The impact of Large Language Models (LLMs) is a dominant theme in 2026, moving beyond surface-level discussion to foundational theoretical research.
International Conference on Foreign / Second Language Acquisition (ICFSLA 2026)
This tribute edition of ICFSLA focuses on “Intercultural Pragmatics in Language Learning and Beyond: Humans, Contexts, and AI Interfaces.” The conference specifically invites research exploring the pragmatics of human–AI interaction, including the effectiveness of LLMs as pedagogical tools and the challenges of achieving pragmatic competence in L2 learning. Presentations will address both theoretical implications and practical applications of AI in language education.
- Date: May 28–30, 2026
- Location: Szczyrk, Poland
- Hashtag: #ICFSLA2026, #AILanguageLearning
Association for Computational Linguistics (ACL 2026)
ACL is the flagship conference of the Association for Computational Linguistics, organizing several of the top conferences in computational linguistics and natural language processing. The 2026 meeting in San Diego will feature research on LLMs, NLP, computational pragmatics, dialog systems, and AI policy. As the most selective and widely cited venue in the field, ACL presentations typically shape subsequent research agendas across computational linguistics.
- Date: July 2–7, 2026
- Location: San Diego, California, USA
- Social Media: X/Twitter: @aclmeeting
- Hashtag: #ACL2026, #ComputationalLinguistics
British Association of Applied Linguistics (BAAL 2026)
The 2026 conference theme is “Applied Linguistics in Transformation,” explicitly addressing the challenges and opportunities posed by digital processes and artificial intelligence. BAAL organizes scientific meetings and supports applied linguistic activity through funding, special interest groups, and a series of researcher development workshops. The conference will also focus on transformation in research methods and paradigms in applied linguistics.
Plenary Speakers: The conference features an impressive lineup of five distinguished plenary speakers:
- Dr. April Baker-Bell (University of Michigan): an influential scholar in sociolinguistics and critical language pedagogy
- Professor Jannis Androutsopoulos (University of Hamburg): known for his work in digital discourse and multilingualism
- Professor Malcolm Coulthard (Professor Emeritus at University of Birmingham): a pioneering figure in forensic linguistics
- Professor Sarah Mercer (University of Graz): set to deliver the prestigious Pit Corder Lecture on language learning psychology
- Dr. Sharese King (University of Chicago): whose research focuses on African American Language and sociolinguistics
- Date: September 1–3, 2026
- Location: Birmingham, UK
- Social Media: X/Twitter: @__BAAL
- Hashtag: #BAAL2026, #DigitalLinguistics
International Conference on Language, Communication & Society 2026 (LCS2026)
Themed “Language, Identity, and Power in a Digitally Connected World,” this interdisciplinary conference in Malaysia invites scholars and practitioners to explore how digital platforms, AI, globalization, and transnational migration influence language, identity, and power dynamics. The conference welcomes presentations in various formats, including original research papers, published articles, dissertations, and research abstracts.
- Date: July 13–14, 2026
- Location: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- Social Media: Facebook: @icrdconferences
- Hashtag: #LCS2026, #DigitalLanguage, #LanguageIdentity
Language Policy and Discourse
Canada and Europe host several specialized events focused on language policy, economics, and discourse analysis.
LiDi 2026 (Linguistics at school in a European perspective)
LiDi is a specialized conference that serves as a key venue for education policy and curriculum integration across European contexts. LiDi brings together researchers and practitioners working on the integration of linguistics into school curricula and language education policy. The conference emphasizes practical applications of linguistic research in educational settings.
- Date: April 13–14, 2026
- Location: Zurich, Switzerland
- Hashtag: #LiDi2026, #LanguageEducationPolicy
Sixth REAL Symposium on Language Economics and Policy
The REAL Symposium focuses on research examining the economic dimensions of language policy and planning. This specialized event brings together scholars investigating how economic factors shape language use, education, and policy decisions. Papers address both theoretical frameworks and empirical studies of language economics.
- Date: June 4–5, 2026
- Location: University of Potsdam, Germany
- Hashtag: #REAL2026, #LanguageEconomics
Multidisciplinary Approaches in Language Policy and Planning (LPP 2026)
The 2026 conference theme, “Language policy and planning: From talk to action,” emphasizes measurable policy outcomes and practical implementation. This multidisciplinary gathering examines how language policies move from theoretical frameworks to real-world applications. Scholars from diverse fields contribute perspectives on effective policy design and implementation.
- Date: June 17–19, 2026
- Location: Ottawa, Canada
- Social Media: Facebook: @LLPConference
- Hashtag: #LPP2026, #LanguagePolicyPlanning
International Conference on Conversation Analysis (ICCA 2026)
This specialized, quadrennial conference features the theme “Diversities, Language, Interaction,” highlighting the multiplicity of diversities through a lens focused on research about language and interaction. ICCA2026 welcomes panels, individual papers, and posters that contribute to understanding diversities, language, and interaction across cultures, languages, worldviews, and human experiences. The conference includes pre-conference workshops June 23-25 and main sessions June 26-29.
- Date: June 23–29, 2026
- Location: University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
- Social Media: X/Twitter: @icca2026
- Hashtag: #ICCA2026, #ConversationAnalysis
Societas Linguistica Europaea (SLE 2026)
The 59th Annual Meeting of SLE provides a forum for high-quality linguistic research from all subfields of linguistics. SLE meetings cover theoretical, applied, and policy-oriented research including typology, discourse, multilingualism, language education, and governance. With over 1,000 individual members, SLE works to disseminate current research in linguistics and facilitate communication within the discipline.
- Date: August 26–29, 2026
- Location: University of Osnabrück, Germany
- Hashtag: #SLE2026, #EuropeanLinguistics
International Conference on Linguistics and Literature (ICLL 2026)
ICLL has a proven track record of success with previous conferences held across Europe and Asia. The conference aims to provide a forum for researchers, practitioners, and professionals from industry, academia, and government to discourse on research and development, professional practice in linguistics and literature. ICLL2026 will run fully in-person with virtual participation options available.
Keynote Speakers:
- Professor Tatiana Ivushkina (MGIMO University, Russia) – A sociolinguistics and English literature specialist focusing on speech portrayals and intercultural communication.
- Professor Katsuya Hihara (Tokyo Metropolitan University, Japan) – A tourism and transport policy expert with over 25 years of experience advising Japanese government organizations.
- Associate Professor Mitsunori Hirogaki (Kyushu University, Japan) – A marketing strategy scholar specializing in cross-cultural consumer behavior and international marketing.
- Date: July 14–17, 2026
- Location: Fukuoka, Japan
- Hashtags: #ICLL2026, #LinguisticsAndLiterature
International Conference on Sociolinguistics and Language Acquisition (ICSLA 2026)
ICSLA 2026 brings together researchers examining language acquisition from sociolinguistic perspectives, with a focus on Latin American contexts and Spanish language research. The conference emphasizes the social dimensions of language learning and use, exploring how social factors influence language acquisition, variation, and change in diverse communities.
- Date: September 14-15, 2026
- Location: Santiago, Chile
- Hashtags: #ICSLA26, #Sociolinguistics2026
Australian Linguistic Society (ALS 2026) Conference
The Australian Linguistic Society was established with the primary goal of furthering interest in and support for linguistics research and teaching in Australia. The annual conference has an international scope with a particular focus on research about Australian Aboriginal languages, varieties of Australian English, and research by Australian linguists. This internationally recognized venue often highlights research on Indigenous languages and language documentation.
- Date: December 1–4, 2026
- Location: Perth, Australia
- Social Media: LinkedIn: @australian-linguistic-society
- Hashtags: #ALS2026, #AustralianLinguistics
Frequently Asked Questions for International Academic Language Conferences
1. What should I consider when planning travel for an academic language conference?
When planning travel, start early to secure flights, lodging, and registration before rates rise. Consider proximity to the venue, access to public transportation, and whether you’ll need workspace during your stay. Many academic conferences offer hotel blocks, but alternative platforms like SabbaticalHomes may offer more affordable or home-like stays for longer residencies.
2. How can I make the most of attending a language or linguistics conference?
Review the session program in advance and identify key talks or workshops to prioritize. Reach out to participants or presenters you admire to schedule informal meetups for coffee or a walk between scheduled events. Many meaningful collaborations begin in hallway discussions, not just scheduled sessions.
3. What types of scholars typically attend academic language conferences?
These conferences often attract linguists, language educators, cognitive scientists, anthropologists, graduate students, and applied language researchers. It’s common to see interdisciplinary presentations bridging cultural studies, psychology, translation, and AI-language research.
4. Are academic language conferences beginner-friendly for graduate students?
Yes, most include poster sessions, mentorship events, early-career workshops, and networking mixers designed for emerging scholars. Graduate and post-graduate students are encouraged to present work-in-progress and connect with potential collaborators or advisors.
5. How do I decide which academic language conference is most relevant to my research?
Compare the conference themes, keynote speakers, sponsoring institutions, and past program archives. If presentations align with your research area or methodology, it’s a good fit. Also check whether the conference emphasizes theory, pedagogy, applied research, or interdisciplinary work.
6. Are there funding or travel grants for attending academic conferences in linguistics or applied language studies?
Many universities offer travel support for conference participation, especially if you are presenting. Additionally, organizations such as LSA, TESOL, and ACTFL provide student and early-career travel awards. Apply early since funding opportunities often close months before the conference date.
Related: Higher Education & Travel Grants
7. Can I book short-term furnished housing on SabbaticalHomes for conference travel?
Yes. Many members list furnished apartments, in-law suites, studio flats, or private rooms specifically for visiting researchers and faculty, where hosts often understand academic travel schedules and research workloads. Many SabbaticalHomes listings include access to kitchens, study spaces, and quiet neighborhoods and can be more affordable and comfortable than hotels.
Search by destination and filter by date range and those listings that are available “weekly” versus “monthly” to compare stays. You can browse listings near the host university or conference venue, communicate directly with the host, and arrange flexible dates suited to your travel plan.
Related: Getting Started on SabbaticalHomes
Comprehensive Global Calendar: 2026 Academic Language Conferences
| Conference | Acronym | Date | Location | Focus Area |
| Modern Language Association | MLA | January 8-11, 2026 | Toronto, Canada | Literature, Culture, Language |
| American Association for Applied Linguistics | AAAL | March 21–24, 2026 | Chicago, Illinois, USA | Applied Linguistics |
| TESOL International Convention | TESOL | March 24–27,2026 | Salt Lake City, Utah, USA | English Language Teaching |
| Linguistics at School in European Perspective | LiDi | April 13-14, 2026 | Zurich, Switzerland | Language Education Policy |
| International Conference on Foreign/Second Language Acquisition | ICFSLA | May 28-30, 2026 | Szczyrk, Poland | SLA and AI Interfaces |
| REAL Symposium on Language Economics and Policy | REAL | June 4-5, 2026 | Potsdam, Germany | Language Economics & Policy |
| Multidisciplinary Approaches in Language Policy and Planning | LPP | June 17-19, 2026 | Ottawa, Canada | Language Policy and Planning |
| International Conference on Conversation Analysis | ICCA | June 23–29, 2026 | Edmonton, Canada | Conversation Analysis, Discourse |
| Association for Computational Linguistics | ACL | July 2-7, 2026 | San Diego, California, USA | AI and Language Research |
| International Conference on Language, Communication & Society | LCS | July 13-14, 2026 | Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia | Language & Digital Society |
| International Conference on Linguistics and Literature | ICLL | July 14-17, 2026 | Fukuoka, Japan | Linguistics and Literature |
| Societas Linguistica Europaea | SLE | August 26-29, 2026 | Osnabrück, Germany | European Linguistics |
| British Association of Applied Linguistics | BAAL | September 1-3, 2026 | Birmingham, UK | Applied Linguistics & AI |
| International Conference on Sociolinguistics | ICSLA | September 14-15, 2026 | Santiago, Chile | Sociolinguistics |
| American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages | ACTFL | November 20–22, 2026 | San Antonio, Texas, USA | Foreign Language Pedagogy |
| Australian Linguistic Society | ALS | December 1-4, 2026 | Perth, Australia | Australian/Indigenous Linguistics |
Our “Conference Alert” series of articles will keep you in-the-know about upcoming academic conventions and conferences. Each article in this series previews deadlines for abstracts and proposals for a specific area of study. Conferences are great opportunities to network, meet others who study in your field and perhaps help you make a connection for a research or sabbatical travel experience.
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