Linguistic Association of the Southwest Annual Meeting
55th Annual Meeting of the Linguistic Association of the Southwest. October 8 - 10, 2026.
Join us for an inspiring three-day conference filled with insightful discussions across all areas of linguistic inquiry, from language attitudes and ideologies to phonetics, syntax, and beyond. The theme for this year is Language as Political Action and as Social Practice. From sociolinguistics and discourse studies to education, translation, and applied linguistics, we will explore how language practices enact identity, challenge inequality and foster change.
Be part of though-provoking conversations that examine how language shapes — and is shaped by — structures of power, resistance and community. Don’t miss this opportunity to connect, learn and engage with leading research!
Call for papers
LASSO 55th Annual Meeting, 2026
Conference theme: Language as Political Action and as Social Practice
Conference dates: October 8 - 10, 2026
Conference location: Towson University, Towson, Maryland
Submission deadline: May 15, 2026
Speakers
Dr. José del Valle
Professor José del Valle specializes in the politics of language representation and glottopolitical theory, with research spanning Spain, Latin America and the United States. He is a faculty member in Latin American, Iberian and Latino Cultures, Linguistics and Urban Education at The Graduate Center, CUNY. Since earning his Ph.D. from Georgetown University in 1994, he has published extensively on linguistic ideologies and the political history of the Spanish language. He is the co-founder of “Anuario de Glotopolítica,” a journal that promotes critical language studies. In 2010, he received the Friedrich Wilhelm Bessel Research Award.
Keynote Address
What do we see? Theorizing language and power from sociolinguistic and glottopolitical perspectives
Sheryl Bernardo-Hinesley
Sheryl Bernardo-Hinesley is an associate professor of Spanish and linguistics at Western Washington University. Her areas of research interest include sociolinguistics, linguistic landscape, language contact and language attitudes and ideologies. Her work has appeared in “Linguistic Landscape,” “Journal of Culture and Values in Education,” “Journal of World Languages” and “Journal of Borderlands Studies” (among others) as well as in edited volumes published by Multilingual Matters and Routledge. Her current research examines attitudes toward Cavite Chabacano through the linguistic landscape in Cavite City, Philippines. At Western Washington University, she teaches a range of courses in Hispanic linguistics, world language instruction, bilingualism, language contact and sociolinguistic fieldwork.
Presidential Address
Multilingualism and the Philippine Global South
Conference Registration
Please note that to attend the conference, you must be a LASSO member. You can pay the required LASSO membership fee. Below are the details for registration and our special social events.
Presentation of papers at the annual LASSO conference is a privilege of membership, and only those who are current LASSO members may have their work presented. Members in good standing may vote and hold office.
registration
Fees and Deadlines
- regular cost — $175 by 8/15 and then $200 after that.
- graduate student — $75. Must e-mail LASSO AT_TOWSON with proof graduate status to receive discount code.
- deadline for registration — September 15, 2026
Hotel Information
We have arranged three small room blocks at local hotels conveniently located near Towson University and downtown Towson. Book early as the conference weekend is also expected to be a busy sports weekend. Space is limited and the room blocks will close according to the dates listed below. Room availability cannot be guaranteed after these dates.
Use the links below to reserve or call the hotel and mention the “LASSO Conference” for the group rate.
Sheraton Baltimore North Hotel
903 Dulaney Valley Road
Towson, MD 21204
410-321-7400
Rate: $149/night (double or king)
Amenities: Free Local Shuttle (must request in advance);
On-site paid parking; Free Wifi
Reservation Dates: October 7 – October 10, 2026
Last Day to Book: September 8, 2026
Home2 Suites by Hilton
21 West Susquehanna Avenue
Towson, MD 21204
667-275-7100
Rate: $139/night (king)
Amenities: Walking distance to Towson University; Hot breakfast included; Free Wifi
Reservation Dates: October 8 – October 10, 2026
Last Day to Book: September 8, 2026
Holiday Inn Express Towson
1100 Cromwell Bridge Road
Towson, MD 21286
410-823-4410
Rate: $110/night (king)
Amenities: Short driving distance to Towson University; Hot breakfast included; Free
Wifi
Reservation Dates: October 7 – October 10, 2026
Last Day to Book: September 7, 2026