Language, the flagship journal of the Linguistic Society of America, publishes peer-reviewed articles dealing with issues in linguistic theory and a wide range of subfields of linguistics and related disciplines, as well as book reviews, notes of interest to the academic and professional linguistics community, and commentary of various kinds. The journal is published both in a print edition and on online platforms containing both the print-edition content and online-only content in such sections as Research Reports, Language and Public Policy, Perspectives, Commentaries, and Teaching Linguistics. Some of the most newsworthy research published in Language is periodically featured in LSA News Releases. For a collection of the very best articles published in Language, please see the Language Anthology.

Editorial information and submission to Language

Complete editorial information about Language, as well information about how to submit a manuscript to Language, is available through Language’s online portal. What makes a paper appropriate for LanguageRead this Editorial Note published in June 2021.

Accessing Language Content:

  • Project MUSE provides full access to Language online for LSA members, either through their institutional libraries, or directly via our referral page

  • Individual access to Language (in hard copy or online) is available only as one of the benefits of membership in the LSA. To join the LSA, or for more information on membership categories, dues, and the activities of the LSA, please complete a membership application online.
  • Beginning in 2013, selected Language content is available for free on the LSA website, with all Language content available for free after a one year embargo period. Read more about the LSA's Open Access Publications program.
  • Institutions may purchase an annual subscription to Language by filling out the online subscription form
  • Back issues of Language (subject to availability) may be purchased in hard copy format through the LSA; for availability and pricing, please contact Jourdian Godley at the LSA Secretariat. For access to electronic copies of back issues and individual articles, please visit JSTOR
  • Permission to reprint articles (1925-2012) may be obtained from the LSA's authorized vendor, the Copyright Clearance Center. The copyright for articles published beginning in 2013 is retained by the author(s); requests for reprint permissions for articles published after 2012 should be directed to the individual authors.
  • Individual members and institutional subscribers may change their address by modifying their membership profile online or by contacting Jourdian Godley at the LSA Secretariat.

Supporting Open Access to Language Content

Donations to support the LSA's Open Access Publishing Program are gratefully accepted throughout the year. In 2021, two donors are pleased to match all contributions, up to $10,000. Read more.

The Language Whitney Desk



For a brief history of the connection between Language and the so-called “Whitney Desk”, see this link.