Linguists Collective Conference & International Mother Language Day IMLD Celebration
Linguists Collective Conference & International Mother Language Day Celebration 2026
The Linguists Collective (LC) Conference returns in 2026 to celebrate International Mother Language Day and mark the anniversary of LC’s founding. This special occasion brings together language professionals, enthusiasts, and advocates from across the globe to reflect on the power of language, professional identity, cultural identity, and the art of communication. It is an opportunity to honour our journey as a trusted and growing platform for linguists worldwide while offering training and Continuing Professional Development (CPD) opportunities for all participants.
Held annually on 21st February, the LC Conference commemorates two milestones:
UNESCO’s International Mother Language Day (IMLD) and the founding of the Linguists Collective. It serves as a meeting point for interpreters, translators, educators, policymakers, researchers, and campaigners to explore critical issues in language, education, cultural preservation, and technological innovation in the language services industry.
The 2026 event continues our commitment to linguistic and cultural diversity, with a strong emphasis on supporting endangered languages and promoting excellence in language services. Through CPD sessions, training workshops, and thought–provoking lectures anddiscussions, participants will engage in conversations about industry challenges, advances in technology such as AI in language services, and global efforts in linguistic advocacy.
More than a conference, it is a celebration of heritage and a platform for sharing ideas, nurturing skills, and fostering a global community of linguists. Together, we will explore the opportunities and challenges shaping the future of languages in our connected world.
This year’s event features three engaging sessions:
Session 1: UNESCO Theme & Endangered Languages
This session will explore this year’s UNESCO International Mother Language Day theme. With a special focus on rare and endangered languages, speakers will highlight the need for language preservation, cultural continuity, and community empowerment in today’s global society.
Session 2: Training For Linguists
Led by expert trainers, this session offers targeted professional development for linguists. From introductory workshops to advanced linguist–focused CPD sessions, participants will gain practical skills, industry insights, and recognised training.
Session 3: Linguist Hour: Language, Culture & Connection
This interactive session opens the floor to speakers and leaders from across the language industry to share their own insights, research, and experiences. Our esteemed speakers will explore a range of relevant topics united by a shared passion for language, linguistic innovation and cultural connection.
Want to share your voice?
We’re inviting speakers from all backgrounds: linguists, cultural advocates, educators, and language professionals. If you’d like to speak in this year’s conference, please fill out our short form here: https://conference.linguistscollective.info/speakers–profile–form/
Tickets & Access
• General Access: Free registration for public sessions
• Training Pass: Access to the training session
– Discounts available for LC registered linguists and professionals registered with NRPSI, CIOL, NRCPD, NRPST, RBSLI, CCC
• Tickets available here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/lc-conference-international-mother-language-day-celebration-2026-tickets-1217819574129? aff=oddtdtcreator
Save the date!
Date: Saturday 21st
Format: Online