Established in 1997, the Linguistics, Language and the Public Interest 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 winners: Steven Pinker, author of The Language Instinct (published 1994); Eugene Searchinger, producer of The Human Language, a public television series of three films distributed in 199; and Geoffrey Nunberg, whose broadcasts for the NPR program "Fresh "Air" have made linguistics come alive for listeners.
Works considered for the 2002 award must have been published, presented, or aired between December 1997 and December 2001 and must be received no later than 1 March 2002. 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 Interest Award Cte, LSA Secretariat, 1325 18th St, NW, Suite 211, Washington, DC 20036-6501. Presentation of the award will take place at the 2003 Annual Meeting in Atlanta, GA.