American Dialect Society

American Dialect Society

The American Dialect Society (ADS) is a scholarly association dedicated to the study of the English language in North America, and of other languages, or dialects of other languages, influencing it or influenced by it. Founded in 1889, the society is one of the oldest linguistic societies in the United States.

History

The American Dialect Society was established in 1889 by a group of philologists and linguists who were interested in the study of American English. The society's founding was part of a broader movement in the late 19th century to document and analyze the various dialects of English spoken in the United States. The society's first president was Francis A. March, a prominent philologist of the time.

Mission

The mission of the American Dialect Society is to study the English language in North America, as well as other languages or dialects that influence or are influenced by it. The society aims to foster research and scholarship in the field of dialectology and to promote the understanding of linguistic diversity in the United States.

Publications

The society publishes the journal American Speech, which is a quarterly publication that includes articles on the English language in North America, reviews of books on language, and notes on usage. The society also publishes the Dictionary of American Regional English (DARE), a comprehensive reference work that documents the varieties of English spoken in different regions of the United States.

Annual Meeting

The American Dialect Society holds an annual meeting in conjunction with the Linguistic Society of America. During this meeting, members present papers on various topics related to dialectology and sociolinguistics. One of the highlights of the annual meeting is the selection of the "Word of the Year," a tradition that began in 1990. This event garners significant media attention and reflects the society's engagement with contemporary linguistic trends.

Word of the Year

Since 1990, the American Dialect Society has selected a "Word of the Year" to highlight a word or phrase that has gained prominence or reflects significant cultural or social trends. The selection process involves nominations and voting by the society's members during the annual meeting. Past words of the year have included "web," "Y2K," "truthiness," and "fake news."

Membership

Membership in the American Dialect Society is open to anyone interested in the study of dialects and the English language. Members include linguists, lexicographers, historians, and language enthusiasts. The society provides a platform for members to share research, collaborate on projects, and engage with the broader linguistic community.

Also see

• Linguistic Society of America
• American Speech
• Dictionary of American Regional English
• Dialectology
• Sociolinguistics