Annual Meetings in Linguistics: AFLA’s Journey through Time

The Annual Conference of the Association for Linguistic Typology (AFLA) stands as a cornerstone event in the world of linguistics. AFLA has been at the forefront of linguistics research for decades, hosting its annual meetings at various prestigious institutions worldwide. This comprehensive article will step into the rich history of the AFLA Annual Meetings, tracing their evolution from AFLA I in 1994 to AFLA XIX in 2012. By the end of this journey, you’ll not only have a deep understanding of AFLA’s contributions to linguistics but also appreciate the significance of these annual gatherings.


AFLA I: 1994 University of Toronto

The inaugural AFLA meeting in 1994, hosted by the University of Toronto, marked the beginning of a tradition that would span decades. Linguists from all corners of the world congregated to discuss linguistic typology, syntax, semantics, and phonology. AFLA I set the stage for future meetings, emphasizing the importance of cross-linguistic research and collaboration.


AFLA II: 1995 McGill University

The second AFLA meeting, held at McGill University in 1995, continued to foster linguistic exploration. Attendees engaged in lively debates on linguistic universals and typological patterns, further solidifying AFLA’s reputation as a hub for groundbreaking research.


AFLA III & IV: 1996 & 1997 University of California at Los Angeles

AFLA III and IV, hosted by the University of California at Los Angeles, witnessed a surge in interest. These meetings delved deeper into the intricacies of linguistic typology, bringing forth fresh perspectives on language diversity and structure. AFLA was becoming a prominent platform for linguists to exchange ideas.


AFLA V: 1998 University of Hawai’i at Manoa

In 1998, AFLA V took place at the University of Hawai’i at Manoa. This meeting was a turning point, as it emphasized the importance of fieldwork in linguistic research. AFLA’s commitment to promoting empirical research methods ensured its relevance in the ever-evolving field of linguistics.


AFLA VI & VII: 1999 & 2000 University of Toronto and Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam

AFLA returned to the University of Toronto in 1999 and ventured to Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam in 2000. These meetings showcased the global reach of AFLA and the growing interest in linguistic typology as a field of study.


AFLA VIII: 2001 Massachusetts Institute of Technology

The 2001 meeting at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) was a significant milestone. It saw a surge in attendance and highlighted the role of technology in advancing linguistic research. AFLA VIII featured discussions on computational linguistics and its impact on typological studies.


AFLA IX: 2002 Cornell University

Cornell University hosted AFLA IX in 2002, providing a scholarly setting for linguists to explore new methodologies in typology. This meeting was instrumental in pushing the boundaries of linguistic research.


AFLA X: 2003 University of Hawai’i at Mānoa

Returning to the University of Hawai’i at Mānoa in 2003, AFLA X reiterated the importance of collaboration among linguists. The conference emphasized the need to bridge the gap between theoretical and empirical linguistics.


AFLA XI: 2004 Zentrum für Allgemeine Sprachwissenschaft

AFLA XI in 2004, held at the Zentrum für Allgemeine Sprachwissenschaft in Germany, underscored AFLA’s global presence. The meeting explored linguistic typology from a cross-cultural perspective, broadening the horizons of the field.


AFLA XII: 2005 University of California at Los Angeles

Returning to UCLA in 2005, AFLA XII was marked by the emergence of new subfields within typology. The conference showcased research on linguistic evolution, contact, and variation.


AFLA XIII: 2006 National Tsing Hua University and Academia Sinica

AFLA XIII, hosted by National Tsing Hua University and Academia Sinica in Taiwan, was a testament to AFLA’s commitment to diversity and inclusion. The meeting explored underrepresented languages and linguistic phenomena.


AFLA XIV: 2007 McGill University

The 2007 AFLA meeting at McGill University revisited the roots of typology and its ties to other linguistic disciplines. It reaffirmed the enduring relevance of typological research in understanding the complexity of languages.


AFLA XV: 2008 University of Sydney

AFLA XV at the University of Sydney in 2008 marked a celebration of linguistic achievements. The conference highlighted groundbreaking studies and encouraged interdisciplinary collaboration.


AFLA XVI: 2009 University of California, Santa Cruz

In 2009, AFLA returned to the University of California, Santa Cruz, renewing its focus on empirical linguistics. The meeting showcased innovative methodologies and the integration of linguistic fieldwork.


AFLA XVII: 2010 Stony Brook University, New York

AFLA XVII, held at Stony Brook University in New York in 2010, emphasized the role of typology in addressing real-world linguistic challenges. Linguists discussed applications in language preservation and revitalization.


AFLA XVIII: 2011 Harvard University

AFLA XVIII at Harvard University in 2011 showcased the interplay between linguistic typology and cognitive science. The meeting explored how typological research could inform our understanding of language processing and cognition.


AFLA XIX: 2012 Institute of Linguistics, Academia Sinica & Linguistic Society of Taiwan

The final stop on our journey, AFLA XIX, was hosted by the Institute of Linguistics, Academia Sinica, and the Linguistic Society of Taiwan in 2012. This meeting encapsulated the essence of AFLA—a commitment to advancing linguistic typology through collaboration, innovation, and empirical research.


Final Thoughts on AFLA’s Linguistic Legacy

The history of AFLA’s Annual Meetings is a testament to the enduring relevance of linguistic typology in our ever-changing world. From its humble beginnings in 1994 to the global events of 2012, AFLA has consistently fostered collaboration, pushed the boundaries of linguistic research, and enriched our understanding of the world’s languages. As we look back at this remarkable journey, one thing is clear: AFLA’s legacy in linguistics is here to stay.