37.994, Confs: 2026 Technology for Second Language Learning Conference (USA)

[The LINGUIST List]

LINGUIST List: Vol-37-994. Wed Mar 11 2026. ISSN: 1069 - 4875.

Subject: 37.994, Confs: 2026 Technology for Second Language Learning Conference (USA)

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Date: 10-Mar-2026
From: Chris Litten [litten at iastate.edu]
Subject: 2026 Technology for Second Language Learning Conference


2026 Technology for Second Language Learning Conference
Short Title: TSLL
Theme: Constructed Agents: From Imagination to Real Interaction

Date: 15-Oct-2026 - 16-Oct-2026
Location: Ames, USA
Contact Email: tsll at iastate.edu
Meeting URL: https://bit.ly/TSLL2026

Linguistic Field(s): Applied Linguistics; Computational Linguistics;
General Linguistics; Language Acquisition; Ling & Literature

Submission Deadline: 01-Apr-2026

The Constructed Agents theme provides a forum for exploring how humans
develop their understanding of AI agents from their exposure to
representations of agents in literature and film. The conference
explores how and to what extent representations of non-human sentient
agents such as Frankenstein’s creature in Mary Shelley’s 1818 novel
and Hal in 2001 Space Odyssey may shape views of today’s
language-using AI agents including those for language learning.
Abstracts are invited for presentations sharing insights from the
study of imagined sentient agents appearing in cultural expression
throughout history for today’s human use of real-life AI agents. In
particular, the conference combines the humanities disciplines of
literary and film studies with the transdisciplinary study of applied
linguistics to increase understanding of 1) how the humanistic study
of sentient, non-human agents represented in literature and film
informs popular understanding of AI agents, 2) how language learners
engage with AI agents that are developed to support language learning
and assessment, and 3) opportunities for interdisciplinary humanities
research and collaboration related to AI. We invite papers that
address questions such as the following:
 - How can humanistic analysis of sentient agents in fiction and film
help to reveal ethical issues in relationships between AI agents and
the humans who use them?
 - How can analysis of AI agents’ linguistic interaction identify the
human-like characteristics of AI agents that humans recognize?
 - How do humanistic and linguistic analyses of AI agents help in
evaluating them for their intended purposes?
 - How has exposure to imagined characters prepared language
professionals and learners for their work with AI agents in research,
teaching, and learning?
 - How can the constructed AI agents available to language teachers
and learners today help to prepare students for AI agents in the
workplace?
 - How does research and teaching in humanities and applied
linguistics need to evolve to better understand the implications and
use of AI agents?
Types of Presentations:
Abstracts proposing presentations related to the conference theme are
invited for three types of sessions. Please note the abstract
requirements and evaluation criteria for each type of submission.
Strand Selection:
Authors must choose the appropriate area of focus for their
submission:
 - Applied Linguistics
 - Humanities (Literature & Film)
Individual Papers:
Formal presentations making a scholarly contribution of original
knowledge to the field. Each presentation will be 20 minutes followed
by five minutes for discussion. The abstract should be no longer than
300 words including references. The abstract will be evaluated based
on the fit of the topic to the conference theme, apparent scholarly
contribution of the work to the field, and the clarity of the abstract
in explaining the contents of the presentation.
Panel:
Several presentations on a single theme to be presented in a 60 to
90-minute block of time. Typically, panels include three or four
presentations with an introduction to the topic and possibly followed
by a commentary, but the proposers can design the session as they see
fit. The abstract should be no more than 700 words including
references, and each contribution should be included in the abstract.
The abstract will be evaluated based on the fit of the topic to the
conference theme, the coherence of the multiple topics in developing
the panel, the apparent scholarly contribution of the work to the
field, and the clarity of the abstract in explaining the contents of
the session (including the timing for each presentation).
Posters:
Asynchronous online presentation of a scholarly contribution in which
visuals play an important role (e.g., demonstration of a short video,
interactive software, report of empirical research with graphic models
and data displayed in tables). Poster presentations will be available
to participants online several days prior to the official start of the
conference. Participants viewing the posters will be invited to engage
in an asynchronous discussion with the presenter and other poster
attendees during the conference. Presenters will record a short video
to post for visitors, who will then engage in asynchronous discussion
about the poster topic. The abstract for a poster should be no longer
than 200 words including references. The abstract will be evaluated
based on the fit of the topic to the conference theme, apparent
scholarly contribution of the work to the field, and the clarity of
the abstract in explaining the poster contents.
Submission Deadline:
Abstract submission portal Now open! — ABSTRACT SUBMISSION LINK —
Abstract deadline is April 1st, 2026, Anywhere on Earth
Abstract decisions communicated to corresponding authors by May 15th,
2026
Modality of Presentations:
The conference will be held in hybrid format on Zoom and at Iowa State
University in Ames, Iowa, USA. Presentations are planned for
synchronous delivery. Presenters wanting to pre-record and post a
presentation should submit an abstract for a poster presentation.
Synchronously delivered presentations can be given either in person or
remotely depending on the wishes of the presenter. Presenters will be
requested to make a decision about their desired format shortly after
their abstract has been accepted. Presentations delivered in person
on-site will be streamed live so participants will have access to all
presentations online. All presentations will be recorded with the
prior consent of the presenters. The schedule will also include social
and networking opportunities for both in-person and remote
participants.
Registration:
Registration will open one month before the conference. All attendees
and presenters must register for the conference. There is no
registration fee.



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