ICLAP 2026

Introduction: ICLAP 2026

The Department of English, Government Sadiq College Women University, Bahawalpur is honored to host the 12th International Conference of the Linguistics Association of Pakistan (ICLAP 2026), scheduled for March 25-27, 2026. This is for the very first time that the university is hosting this prestigious event.

ICLAP 2026 looks forward to convening distinguished linguists, academics, technology experts, and professionals from around the globe and across Pakistan. The conference program will feature keynote and plenary sessions, technical lectures, workshops, panels, colloquia, paper presentations, and a book launch, along with cultural festivities-providing a comprehensive platform for knowledge sharing, collaboration, and learning.

Aims of ICLAP 2026

ICLAP 2026 aims to bring together linguists, educators, and technologists from across the globe to discuss the challenges and possible innovations in the digitalization of indigenous languages.

The conference seeks to advance research in AI-driven language technologies, promote sustainable practices for documenting and revitalizing endangered and indigenous languages, and examine how digital tools can be exploited for the preservation of cultural identity through technological advancements.

It further aims to strengthen multilingual and indigenous language education through digital tools, critically engage with the politics of linguistic rights and equitable access, and reflect on the evolving role of linguistics in the age of AI.

By fostering inclusive communication, accessible digital platforms, and international collaboration, the conference aspires to support a linguistically just, technologically progressive, and socially sustainable future for indigenous language communities across the globe.

Target Audience

The ICLAP 2026 invites academicians, researchers, linguists, professionals and post/graduate students from a variety of disciplines (listed below) from across the country and beyond. We encourage and welcome participation and presentations at ICLAP 2026, focusing on cross-disciplinary and multidisciplinary ideas, issues, perspectives, and developments specifically pertaining to the integration of technology and indigenous languages and generally to the areas of:

• Languages and Literature
• Theoretical & Applied Linguistics
• Sociolinguistics
• Psycholinguistics
• Humor Linguistics
• Language Education & Literacy Studies
• TESOL
• Education
• Higher Education
• Computer Science
• Artificial Intelligence
• Educational Technology
• Computational Linguistics
• NLP
• Translation & Interpreting Studies
• Anthropology
• Public Policy
• Gender Studies
• Media Studies
• Sociology
• Media & Discourse
• Development Studies
• Community Development
• Speech Recognition and Assistive Technologies
• Communication Studies
• Cyber-Linguistics & Online Communication
• Migration Studies

THEMES

The proposed themes for the conference include, but are not restricted to:

1. Digitalization and Indigenous Cultural Identity

• Digitalization and Preservation of Indigenous Cultural Identity
• Storytelling as a Tool for Preserving Indigenous Identity
• Online Representation of Indigenous Languages in Social Media Communities
• Intergenerational Knowledge Transfer Through Digital Archives and Apps
• The Role of Digital Literature and Film in Revitalizing Indigenous Languages
• Hybrid and Exophonic Writing Practices in Digitally Mediated Indigenous Literatures
• Gendered Expressions of Indigenous Identity in Digital Spaces

2. Artificial Intelligence and Indigenous Language Education

• AI-Based Learning Platforms for Teaching Indigenous Languages
• Developing Speech-to-Text & Text-to-Speech Models for Low-Resource Indigenous Languages
• EdTech Solutions for Indigenous Language Education in Remote and Rural Regions
• NLP-Assisted Creation of Indigenous Language Textbooks and Learning Content
• The Role of Neurolinguistic Programming in Indigenous Language Acquisition
• Assistive Technologies for Inclusive Indigenous Language Learning

3. Language Policy, Linguistic Rights, and Governance in the Digital Era

• Digital Language Policy: Ensuring Indigenous Language Access in Online Platforms
• Governance Models for Integrating Indigenous Languages into Digital Public Services
• Legal Frameworks for Indigenous Linguistic Rights in the Digital Age
• Evaluating Digital Curriculum Policies for Indigenous Language Inclusion
• Power Structures and Ideologies in Digital Language Policies
• AI-Driven Interventions for Strengthening Linguistic Justice
• Language Policy and Planning for Education and Linguistic Equity
• Case Studies on Pakistan's Linguistic Landscape
• National and Institutional Strategies for Linguistic Resources
• Policy Frameworks for Digitally Preserving Linguistic Diversity
• The Role of AI in Facilitating Linguistic Justice and Access

4. Digital Preservation and Sustainability of Endangered/Indigenous Languages

• Developing Digital Corpora for Endangered Indigenous Languages
• Balancing National Language Promotion with Minority Language Preservation
• Digital Tools for Translation and Cross-Cultural Collaboration
• Community-Led Approaches Using Mobile Technologies
• Digital Lexicography and Online Indigenous Dictionaries
• Eco-Linguistics and Digital Sustainability
• AI Techniques for Phonological and Morphological Analysis
• Technology-Based Strategies for Language Revitalization
• Making Digital Spaces Inclusive for Marginalized Groups

5. Digital Accessibility, Economic Empowerment, and Indigenous Languages

• Multilingual AI Translation Tools for Economic Participation
• Digital Entrepreneurship for Indigenous Language Communities
• Enhancing Workforce Skills Through Indigenous-Language Platforms
• Reducing the Digital Divide Through Accessibility Solutions
• Indigenous Languages in Digital Financial & E-Governance Systems
• Inclusive Digital Services for Low-Literacy Populations
• Language & Misinformation Challenges
• Cyber-Linguistics in Digital Interactions
• Pakistani Indigenous Languages in the Digital Age

6. Digital Sociolinguistics and Power Dynamics

• Impact of Social Media on Indigenous Languages
• Cyber-Linguistics: New Indigenous Digital Communication
• Indigenous Voices in Digital Activism
• Digital Misinformation Dynamics in Communities
• Changing Linguistic Norms in Online Environments
• Digital Ethnography of Indigenous Virtual Communities

7. Multilingual Pedagogy and Indigenous Language Integration

• Integrating Indigenous Languages into Digital Multilingual Classrooms
• Translanguaging Practices in Online Education
• TESOL Approaches for Indigenous and Multilingual Learners
• Recognizing Indigenous Varieties in Global Englishes
• Bilingual and Heritage Language Education via Digital Tools
• Emotional & Identity Impacts of Digital Language Learning

8. Interdisciplinary Pathways: Language, Technology, and Sustainable Development

• Digital Health Communication Systems Supporting Indigenous Languages
• Ethical AI Design for Indigenous Communities
• Indigenous Language Integration for Migrants and Displaced Groups
• Urban-Rural Linguistic Sustainability Through Technology
• Cross-Sector Collaborations for Digital Development
• Preserving Cultural-Ecological Knowledge Digitally

9. Transforming Linguistics Education Through Digitalization

• Integrating Computational Linguistics into Indigenous Language Studies
• Digital Fieldwork Methods
• Curriculum Innovations in Applied Linguistics
• Training Students in Corpus Building and Annotation
• Preparing Graduates for AI, Tech, and Policy Careers
• University-Led Digital Revitalization Initiatives

Speakers

International Speakers

Dr. Ahmar Mahboob

Associate Professor, Department of Linguistics

University of Sydney, Australia

Dr. Shobhana Chelliah

Professor of Linguistics

Indiana University, Bloomington, USA

Dr. Salvatore Attardo

Professor, Department of Literature & Languages

East Texas A&M University, USA

Dr. Nicanor Guinto

Associate Professor & Director, Office of Research Services

Southern Luzon State University, Philippines

Dr. Christian F. “Kiki” Hempelmann

Professor of Computational Linguistics

East Texas A&M University, USA

National Speakers (Pakistan)

Dr. Tafseer Ahmed Khan

Professor, Department of Computer Science

Mohammad Ali Jinnah University, Karachi

Dr. Muhammad Kamal Khan

Associate Professor of English & Applied Linguistics

AIOU, Islamabad

Prof. Dr. Qaisar Khan

Professor of English & Chairperson

University of Malakand

Dr. Aalia Sohail Khan

Director, AIPS-Pakistan

Former VC, Women’s University Rawalpindi

Zubair Torwali

Researcher & Language Activist

IBT, Swat

Prof. Dr. Sajida Zaki

Professor of English & Applied Linguistics

NED University, Karachi

Dr. Fauzia Janjua

Dean, Faculty of Languages & Literature

IIUI, Islamabad

Prof. Dr. Nasir Abbas

Dean & Head of Department

LUAWMS, Uthal, Balochistan

Call for Proposals

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Conference Committees

Important Dates

• Proposal Submission Deadline: 10th January, 2026
• Notification of Acceptance: 20th January, 2026
• Registration Opens: 20th January, 2026
• Conference Days: March 25-27, 2026

Program & Schedule

Conference schedule...

Conference Fee

Presenter

• National (Faculty): 3,500 PKR
• National (Students): 2,500 PKR
• International: 60 USD

Participant

• National (Faculty): 3,000 PKR
• National (Students): 2,000 PKR
• International: 40 USD

Venue

The Government Sadiq College Women University, Bahawalpur is the host venue of the 12th International Conference of the Linguistic Association of Pakistan (ICLAP 2026). Located in the historic city of Bahawalpur, the university provides a vibrant academic environment, modern facilities, and a welcoming campus for national and international delegates.

The campus offers well-equipped lecture halls, seminar rooms, and conference spaces suitable for keynote sessions, parallel presentations, and academic networking.

Location: View on Google Maps

Accommodation

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Tour

As part of the cultural program of ICLAP 2026, conference participants will visit Noor Mahal, Bahawalpur, one of the most iconic historical and architectural landmarks of Punjab, Pakistan.

Constructed in 1872 during the reign of Nawab Sir Sadiq Muhammad Khan IV, Noor Mahal represents a remarkable fusion of Italian and neoclassical European architectural styles, reflecting the cultural refinement and royal heritage of the former Bahawalpur State.

Originally conceived as a royal residence, the palace later functioned as a state guest house and is now preserved as a national heritage site. Its grand domes, spacious halls, marble staircases, and meticulously designed interiors vividly portray the opulence of the Nawabi era.

Located near the city center, Noor Mahal stands as a symbol of Bahawalpur’s historical significance and architectural excellence, offering visitors a meaningful insight into the region’s rich cultural legacy. During ICLAP 2026, guests will have the opportunity to experience this historic site as part of the official conference tour.

Tour Location: Noor Mahal, Bahawalpur

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