Conference Information
Conference Information
The 26th International Annual Conference of the Japan Second Language Association (J-SLA 2026)
Dates: 4th (Sat) and 5th (Sun) July 2026
Venue：Mie University
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Plenary Lecture：Jennifer Culbertson (University of Edinburgh)
Plenary Lecture：Jennifer Culbertson (University of Edinburgh)
Title: New connections between language evolution and SLA
Abstract: Artificial language learning paradigms have long been a core tool for understanding how both adults and children learn language. More recently, researchers in language evolution have co-opted these paradigms to test hypotheses about the links between learning, language use, and linguistic typology (e.g., language universals). These links have been the subject research in SLA for many years (e.g., Rutherford 1984, Carlisle 2001, White 2003, a.o.), yet connections between this new empirical approach to universals and SLA research is scant. In this talk, I survey recent findings using artificial language learning experiments to investigate universals in syntax and morphology. In each case, I highlight how SLA research may enrich these findings and make new predictions about how adult and child learning might drive population-level typological trends.
Bio: Professor Jennifer Culbertson received her PhD in Cognitive Science from Johns Hopkins University in 2010, and was awarded the Robert J. Glusko Prize for Outstanding Dissertation in Cognitive Science in 2012. She is a founding member of the Centre for Language Evolution at the University of Edinburgh, where she is currently Professor of Experimental Linguistics.
Call For Papers
Call For Papers
The Call for Papers can be found here. (Submissions are now closed.)
Reception
Reception
At J-SLA 2026, a welcome reception (standing buffet style) will be held on the opening day of the conference. Those who wish to attend are kindly requested to register via the following form.
https://forms.gle/hTo2J8QtMo8tAaDY7
Date & Time: Saturday, July 4, 2026, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Venue: Mie University Student Cafeteria
Participation Fee: ¥7,000 for regular members / ¥4,000 for student members
(*Fees will be collected in cash on the day of the event.)
Registration Deadline: Sunday, June 14, 2026, by 23:59 (JST)
Please note: If you plan to attend the conference but do not wish to participate in the reception, there is no need to complete this form.
Registration
Registration
No advance registration is required to attend the J-SLA International Annual Conference. However, participants must be members of J-SLA. Please complete your membership registration through the “Membership Registration & Payment” page at the link below and pay the annual membership fee by Sunday, 21 June. Those who complete both the membership registration and payment procedures by the deadline will be eligible to participate in the Conference. There is no registration fee for the Conference.
Programme
Programme
To be released in early to mid-June
Important Notice Regarding Accommodation
Important Notice Regarding Accommodation
Please note that J-SLA 2026 (July 4–5, 2026) coincides with the Suzuka 8 Hours Endurance Race at Suzuka Circuit.
As a result, hotels in and around Tsu City are expected to be fully booked or extremely limited.
Participants are strongly advised to book their accommodation as early as possible.
The nearest station to the venue, Mie University, is Edobashi Station.
Takada Kaikan
We have secured accommodations at Takada Kaikan (https://www.takada-k.net/) for the duration of J-SLA 2026. Although it can accommodate up to 46 guests, we have already received many reservations, and only a limited number of beds remain available. Please review the details here and proceed with your reservation.
Plaza Dohshin
Reservations for stays from July 2 to 5 at Plaza Dohshin (https://www.dohshin.jp/) will open on May 11 at 10:00 AM (JST). The hotel is a two-minute walk from Tsu-Shimmachi Station (Kintetsu) and about seven minutes from Edobashi Station. Please note that this accommodation is not reserved by J-SLA, so conference participants are asked to make their reservations directly with the hotel.
Other
As availability may be limited, please also consider staying in nearby cities:
Matsusaka Station: approximately 25 minutes to Edobashi Station
Iseshi Station: approximately 40 minutes to Edobashi Station
Nagoya Station: approximately 60 minutes to Edobashi Station
*The last train runs until after 11:00 p.m.
*If you take a late-night train, a transfer at Ise-Nakagawa Station is required, which may slightly increase travel time.
Please refer to the details here and complete your reservation accordingly.
<Other inquiries about J-SLA 2026>
<Other inquiries about J-SLA 2026>
Secretariat: Tae Yamazaki (office★j-sla.org) Replace "★" with "@".
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11th November 2025
Steering Committee of J-SLA
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