Dear members and colleagues,

As the new year dawns and we welcome fresh beginnings, I would like to extend my most sincere greetings and best wishes to each member of the International Society of Urban Language Studies, our partners, and everyone who cares about the development of our association.

Reflecting on the past year, we have witnessed profound changes in the global urban landscape, along with the irreplaceable power of language in shaping urban identities, connecting diverse communities, and driving social innovation. In the ongoing transformation of both rural and urban areas, the vitality, adaptability, and interaction of language continue to inspire us with endless research ideas and academic challenges. Our association, as an important international platform in this interdisciplinary field, remains steadfast alongside all of you.

This year, we have achieved remarkable results together:

• Successfully held the 22nd Annual Conference of the International Association of Urban Language Studies, launching the new theme “Language and New Communication Scenarios.”

• Introduced the Excellent Paper Award for the first time to encourage and promote outstanding research achievements.

• Expanded our global membership network significantly, welcoming more young scholars, practitioners, and representatives from different regions into our vibrant academic community.

These accomplishments embody the wisdom, enthusiasm, and dedication of every member. It is your efforts in fieldwork across various regions, your enterprising spirit in academic exploration, and your selfless sharing of knowledge that have collectively built our association’s current prosperity and influence. I extend my deepest gratitude to all of you!

Looking ahead to the new year, the global process of urbanization faces multiple challenges, such as sustainable development and ethical technology. Language, as the core medium of social interaction and a carrier of cultural heritage, will undoubtedly provide key perspectives for understanding and addressing these challenges. In 2026, our society will focus on:

1. Deepening Theoretical Dialogue: Further integrating perspectives from linguistics, sociology, anthropology, geography, and digital humanities to solidify the theoretical foundation of urban language studies.

2. Expanding Practical Concerns: Promoting closer connections between research outcomes and urban policy, community development, educational innovation, and cultural heritage preservation.

3. Fostering Youth Growth: Increasing support for young scholars and graduate student members by providing more exclusive opportunities for showcasing, exchanging, and collaborating.

4. Strengthening Global Connections: Paying particular attention to urban language issues in the among minority language communities, promoting more equitable and diverse academic dialogue.

Colleagues, the story of urbanization is always written by the people living within it, using a rich variety of languages. Our mission is to understand, interpret, and support the richness and harmony of this great narrative. Let us continue to work together, illuminating the linguistic dimensions of urbanization through rigorous academic exploration, and supporting each other on our paths of knowledge within a warm academic community.

Finally, I sincerely wish you and your family good health, success in your work, happiness in life, and progress in your scholarship in the new year! May our beloved field of urban language research thrive, and may the bonds of friendship and cooperation within our society remain evergreen!

Let us embrace the arrival of 2026 with confidence and anticipation!

Yours sincerely,

Daming Xu Director, International Association of Urban Language Studies

December 31, 2025