The Modern Language Association (MLA), founded in 1883, hosts one of the country’s preeminent conferences for scholars of language and literature.
The 135th MLA Convention ended last week and a lot has changed since the late 19th century.
The event is smaller, by design. It has also become less stressful for graduate students who were earlier expected to attend the conference to be considered for open faculty positions. And it has become more inclusive and focused on professional development.
As a result, this year, the conference has become “much more relaxed,” said Dr. Paula Krebs, MLA’s executive director.
“I felt like people were very collaborative, very generous with each other, very interested in each other,” said Krebs.
Harried graduate students no longer need to rush from one job interview to another. This has not just reduced their stress, it has also helped take some of the financial burden that comes with attending the conference off them. Also, faculty have been given more opportunities to present their research, even as sessions have acknowledged the need for more guidance on professional development.
Historically, the MLA hasn’t always been known for its inclusivity. The College Language Association (CLA) was founded by Black scholars in 1937 because the MLA failed to embrace them and their work. Today, the two organizations have key overlapping leaders and remain affiliated. “I think it could be a richer partnership. … The convention itself, we’re really trying to make it more representative of the profession in general and everybody who teaches in the profession,” said Krebs.
