Linguistics, Language and the Public Award

Established in 1997, the Linguistics, Language and the Public Award recognizes efforts to foster awareness and understanding of linguistics and languages beyond the usual disciplinary confines. Works in any medium are eligible, e.g. books, documentary films, articles in popular magazines, software, or lecture series.

Previous Award Winners

1997 Steven Pinker, author of The Language Instinct (William Morrow 1994)
1999 Eugene Searchinger, producer of The Human Language, a public television series of three films distributed in 1995
2001 Geoffrey Nunberg, commentator on the NPR program "Fresh "Air"
2003 John Rickford, co-author of Spoken soul (John Wiley, 2000) and author of substantive contributions to discussions surrounding Ebonics and AAVE

Works considered for the 2004 award must have been published, presented, or aired between December 1999 and December 2003 and must be received no later than 1 March 2004. Note that, because a work is eligible for four years and the award is biennial, a work could be considered in two award cycles. Submissions or nominations must include the work and evidence of its impact. Four copies of all materials are required and should be sent to: Linguistics, Language and the Public Award Cte, LSA Secretariat, 1325 18th St, NW, Suite 211, Washington, DC 20036-6501. Presentation of the award will take place at the 2005 Annual Meeting in San Francisco, CA.