Strategic Plan

Vision, Mission, and Values

Vision Statement: The LSA aspires to a society which respects, values, and appreciates: the centrality of language to the human experience; communities and the languages they use; and the role of science in advancing knowledge.

Mission statement: To advance the scientific study of language and its applications.

Values

  • The LSA values inclusiveness in the linguistics profession in terms of demographics, workplace setting, and subdisciplinary specialization.
  •  The LSA values democratic governance and evidence-based decision-making by its members.
  • The LSA values ethical and civil conduct in all spheres of the linguistics profession.
  • The LSA values responsible peer-review in the assessment of research. 
  • The LSA values global linguistic diversity and supports the documentation, revitalization and promotion of languages. 

Goals and Objectives

I. Foster inclusiveness and community among those who share an interest in language.

A. Ensure that the LSA increases access and participation of linguists 

  1. Whose primary focus is beyond academia
  2. Whose work is underrepresented in the activities of the LSA 
  3. Whose demographics are historically underrepresented in the discipline 

B. Foster the development and maintenance of networks among linguists by using Special Interest Groups, tailored activities, and other venues to facilitate the interaction between linguists with shared interests 

C. Support the creation and maintenance of formal and informal mentoring networks 

D. Broaden and deepen relationships between the LSA membership and other communities that share an interest in language

E. Engage linguists at all career stages and in all professional settings in the design and implementation of the LSA's research, professional development, and mentoring activities 

II. Expand public awareness about Linguistics through education and outreach.

A. Engage with the broader research and higher education community, policy makers, the news media, and the general public in exchanging relevant information about the science of language.

B. Develop external relationships to promote reciprocal engagement between linguists and others who share an interest in language. 

III. Promote the development and presentation of linguistic research. 

A. Ensure LSA publications are representative of and relevant to the research in which the members of the society are actively engaged. 

B. Ensure each LSA journal articulates what makes it unique in the landscape of linguistics publishing, and has clear guidance about what constitutes an appropriate submission. 

C. Provide a venue for the publication of conference proceedings as a means of serving the linguistics community and increasing linguistic knowledge.

D. Continually assess the viability of the LSA’s publication access model in response to the changing landscape of scientific publishing.

E. Strengthen and sustain the LSA’s conferences, institutes, and other venues for the development of research.

IV. Advance the interests and meet the needs of linguistics professionals.

A. Provide resources and a range of opportunities for specialized training and ongoing education for linguists.

B. Facilitate mentoring for advancement at all career stages and in all professional settings.

C. Support linguistics undergraduates in exploring the full range of professional and research opportunities available to them. 

V. Advocate for the value of science, including Linguistics, in serving the needs of society.

A. Nominate members of the LSA for external awards and other forms of professional recognition and confer LSA awards on those who make significant contributions to the discipline. 

B. Maintain a program of recognizing and promoting a diverse and representative pool of individuals whose accomplishments advance the mission of the LSA. 

C. Promote sound policies informed by linguistic evidence and robust funding for scientific inquiry.