2026
ALASA CONFERENCE
Proposed Theme
AI Tools, Language Documentation and Identities In The Decade of Indigenous Languages
Background
The proclamation of the UNESCO Decade of Indigenous Languages (2022–2032) endorses need for urgent commitment to safeguard linguistic diversity and promote the rights of Indigenous people at a global scale. In this context, the 27th ALASA Conference invites participants to engage in discussions on the theme AI Tools, Language Documentation, and Identities in the Decade of Indigenous Languages.
This Conference provides a platform for delegates to engage in a meaningful dialogue on how AI presents both transformative opportunities and complexities relating to language documentation, policy and ethics issues, identity, multilingual applications, literature, applied linguistics and digital heritage.
Sub-themes
Include (but are not confined to) the following areas:
1. AI and Language Documentation
- AI technologies and documentation of Indigenous languages
- Digital tools for language preservation and revitalisation
- Community-based digital language archives
- Ethical considerations in AI-driven language documentation
Submission Dates
Abstract Submission
Deadline: Tuesday, 1 March 2026
Abstracts for workshops and papers
Acceptance Notification
Notification: 31 March 2026
Final notification of acceptance of abstracts
Submission Email: alasa2026@msu.ac.zw
Guidelines to Authors/Presenters
Abstract Requirements
- Papers: 150-200 words
- Workshops: 250-400 words
- Include full title, names, institutional affiliation
- Email address and contact details
Presentation Format
- Oral Presentations: 20 minutes + 10 minutes Q&A
- Workshops: 60 minutes duration
- Workshops require minimum of two authors
Submission Details
- Full title of the paper/workshop
- Title, full names and surname of all authors
- Institutional affiliation
- Email address (corresponding author)
- Telephone and postal address
Registration with Automatic Membership
For Students
Early Bird Registration
$140
or equivalence in rands at prevailing bank rate
Inclusive of book voucher + R300 ALASA membership fee
Closes: Tuesday, 31 March 2026
Registration after 31 March 2026
$155
or equivalence in rands at prevailing bank rate
Inclusive of book voucher + R300 ALASA membership fee
For the purposes of the conference, a student is a person who has registered for a Master's or Doctoral degree at a recognised institution of higher learning
For Non-Students
Early Bird Registration
$250
or equivalence in rands at prevailing bank rate
Inclusive of book voucher + R300 ALASA membership fee
Closes: Monday, 31 March 2026
Registration after 31 March 2026
$265
or equivalence in rands at prevailing bank rate
Inclusive of book voucher + R300 ALASA membership fee
Important Notes:
- • No refunds. Substitutes are welcome at no extra cost (if it is a student for a student or a non-student for a non-student)
- • If membership for 2025 had already been paid, please send proof of payment to: alasa2026@msu.ac.zw
Travel, accommodation, subsistence, etc. related to delegates' participation in the conference must be covered by the delegates or their institutions, regardless of the abstract acceptance. ALASA and its conference organisers are not liable and hold no responsibility for any of these costs.
Ready to Submit Your Abstract?
Join us in advancing linguistic research and AI applications in the Decade of Indigenous Languages