The American Linguist Association (ALA) is a professional organization that represents linguists in the United States, with around 450 members. ALA was formed in July 1969 at New York University by a group of 27 people. The first leader, referred to as president, was Steven L. Thomas. There are now 54 professional divisions since January 2017 to present in ALA. ALA is a private, nonprofit, professional association dedicated to the enhancement of practice, program development, program evaluation and innovations in linguistics and culture worldwide. Its goal is to provide a public forum for prac... see moretitioners, consumers and researchers to address linguistics issues globally.