Linguistic Association of the Southwest Annual Meeting

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: June 1, 2026

Submit an abstract

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

Register for the Conference

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.

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.

Program at a Glance

Thursday, October 8

12:00pm – 5:00pm	Conference Registration, University Union
11:00am – 12:30pm	LASSO Executive Meeting, Rooms TBD
12:45pm – 1:00pm	Conference Opening Remarks, Room TBD
1:00pm – 2:30pm	Concurrent Sessions 1 Rooms TBD
2:30pm – 2:45pm	Coffee Break
2:45pm – 4:15pm	Concurrent Sessions 2 Rooms TBD
4:15pm – 4:30pm	Coffee Break
4:30pm – 6:00pm	Keynote Address, UU Theater
Dinner on your own.  Alternatively, join Towson University faculty and students for the viewing of LA SALSA VIVE (Colombia, 2025) in UU Theatre at 6:30pm.  Puerto Rican Food available on UU 329 at 6pm

 

Friday, October 9

8:00am - 5:00pm	Conference Registration, Liberal Arts Building
8:30am - 10:00am	Concurrent Sessions 3 Rooms TBD
10:00am - 10:15am	Coffee Break
10:15am - 11:45am	Concurrent Sessions 4 Rooms TBD
11:45am - 1:15pm	Lunch on your own
1:15 pm - 2:45pm	Concurrent Sessions 5 Rooms TBD
2:45pm - 3:00pm	Coffee Break
3:00pm - 4:30pm	Concurrent Sessions 6 Rooms TBD
4:30pm - 5:00pm	Coffee Break
5:00pm - 6:30pm	Presidential Address, Room TBD
Banquet Dinner, Room TBD

Saturday, October 10

9:00am - 11:00am	Conference Registration, Liberal Arts Building
9:00am - 10:30am	Concurrent Sessions 7 Rooms TBD
10:30am - 10:45am	Coffee Break, Room TBD
10:45am - 12:30pm	Concurrent Sessions 8 Rooms TBD
12:30pm – 12:45pm	Conference Closing Remarks
1:00pm – 2:30pm	LASSO Business Meeting, Room, TBD

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

• Reserve a room at the Sheraton

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

• Reserve at the Home2 Suites

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

• Reserve at the Holiday Inn Express