The Spanish Society of Linguistics (SEL, Sociedad Española de Lingüística), founded in 1970, is a scientific and non-profit entity that embraces scholars from all domains of language and linguistics. Its mission encompasses promoting linguistic research with scientific methodology, advocating for the preservation of the languages spoken in Spain, collaborating with allied institutions, and facilitating continuous professional development. Central to its mission are the organization of annual symposia, the publication of the Revista Española de Lingüística (RSEL, ‘Spanish Journal of Linguistics’), and the National Award for Doctoral Theses in linguistics. These actions demonstrate SEL’s enduring commitment to excellence and innovation in the field of linguistics.
SEL was established on January 27, 1970, in a context where linguistics as a discipline lacked an official academic framework in Spain. Its founders, mainly from Classical and Hispanic Philology, recognized the need to create a scientific space for the study of language. This initiative had an enormous impact on the Spanish-speaking linguistic landscape where SEL plays a central role in fostering linguistic research. Since then, SEL has maintained an open and generalistic stance, welcoming scholars from various linguistic fields, and promoting camaraderie and collaboration among experts and beginners.
SEL headquarters are located at the premises of the Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC, ‘National Research Council’). which serves as hosting institution from the very beginning. CSIC’s prestigious reputation contributes significantly to the success and impact of our initiatives.
A cornerstone of SEL’s activities is the annual symposium, which convenes researchers from diverse linguistic backgrounds for scholarly exchange. These symposia serve as forums for the dissemination of research, the exploration of emerging trends, and the cultivation of interdisciplinary collaboration. The symposia are held alternately between the CSIC headquarters and another university venue. This rotational approach ensures geographical dissemination and fosters relationships with different academic institutions. This year’s symposium took place at CSIC, January 22 to 25, 2024. The upcoming LIII Symposium will be hosted by the University of Salamanca from January 20 to 23, 2025. In addition to its annual symposia, SEL periodically organizes congresses, held every ten years in conjunction with the symposium. These congresses represent larger gatherings of linguistic scholars, providing a platform for the articulation of new research agendas.
SEL’s main dissemination organ, the Revista Española de Lingüística (Spanish Journal of Linguistics, RSEL), founded in 1971, serves as the primary vehicle of expression for our society and provides a channel for the publication of original research. As a generalist journal, it welcomes researchers from around the world, covering all languages and fields of linguistics and related disciplines. Through its double-blind peer-reviewed articles, scholarly reviews, and theoretical expositions, RSEL shows the commitment to advancing the frontiers of linguistic knowledge. Additionally, it publishes monographic issues curated by guest editors. The journal is published in two issues per year. RSEL is a Diamond Open Access journal.
Complementing its activities, in 2013, SEL instituted a National Award for Doctoral Theses in Linguistics to recognize outstanding dissertations defended in Spanish universities during the previous academic year. Endowed with a three-year subscription to SEL membership, the award also entails the honour of delivering a plenary lecture at the subsequent SEL symposium, thereby affording young researchers a platform to disseminate their findings and engage with the broader scholarly community.
After the elections held at the January 2024 General Assembly, the board of directors comprises the following members: Dr. Victoria Marrero Aguiar (Universidad Nacional de Educación a Distancia), serving as Chairperson; Dr. Ángeles Carrasco Gutiérrez (Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha), as Vice-Chairperson; Dr. Eveling Garzón Fontalvo (Universidad de Salamanca), as Secretary; Dr. Rodrigo Verano (Universidad Complutense de Madrid), as Treasurer; Dr. Aitor García Moreno (Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Cientificas), as CSIC representative; Dr. Eladio Duque Gómez (Universidad Complutense de Madrid), as Asociación de Lingüística del Discurso representative; Dr. María de Carmen Horno Chéliz (Universidad de Zaragoza), as member; and Dr. Victoria Escandell-Vidal (Universidad Complutense de Madrid), as Editor-in-Chief of the Revista Española de Lingüísitica. This diverse group of individuals brings together expertise from various academic disciplines and institutions, ensuring a comprehensive representation.
To sum up, for over half a century SEL has played a fundamental role in the Spanish academic landscape, providing a space for intellectual exchange and advancement of knowledge. Looking ahead, SEL aims to adapt to evolving academic paradigms, embrace emerging technologies and address contemporary challenges to continue representing a source of inspiration for future generations of linguistic scholars.
Victoria Escandell-Vidal
Universidad Complutense de Madrid
Editor-in-Chief of Revista Española de Lingüística
Representative of Sociedad Española de Lingüística at CIPL
