Linguistics, Language, and the Public Award

In odd-numbered years, the Linguistic Society awards the Linguistics, Language, and the Public Award to recognize work that effectively increases public awareness and understanding of linguistics and language. Works in any medium may be nominated, for example, books, documentary films, articles in popular magazines, software, or lecture series. Nominees published, presented, or aired between 16 December 2001 and 15 December 2005 will be considered for the 2007 award. Nominations must be received no later than 1 April 2006.

Previous winners:

1997 Steven Pinker, author of The language instinct (William Morrow & Co., 1994)

1999 Eugene Searchinger, producer of "The human language", a public television series of three films distributed in 1995

2001 Geoffrey Nunberg, for his broadcasts on language for the radio program "Fresh Air" on National Public Radio

2003 John Rickford, co-author of Spoken soul (John Wiley, 2000) and author of substantive contributions to discussions surrounding Ebonics and AAVE

2005 Deborah Tannen, author of general audience and academic books as well as numerous columns in the press, and participant in public discussions presenting a sociolinguistic viewpoint to the public.

Nominations must include the work (book, videotape, transcript, other recording, etc.) and evidence of its impact. Four copies of all materials are required. Presentation of the award will take place at the January 2007 LSA Annual Meeting. The awardee will be invited to attend and to present the work to the LSA members.

Questions and materials should be directed to: Linguistics, Language, and the Public Award, c/o Linguistic Society of America, 1325 18th St., NW, Suite 211, Washington, DC 20036-6501; (202) 835-1714; (202) 835-1717 (fax); lsa@lsadc.org.