BMS26 CALL FOR PAPERS
The Bilingualism Matters Symposium (BMS) is an interdisciplinary conference organised by Bilingualism Matters. It is open to researchers and practitioners, irrespective of their affiliation with Bilingualism Matters. The BMS aims to stimulate a productive dialogue between researchers in different academic disciplines and practitioners in different sectors of society.
BMS26 will take place in Milan, Italy on April 28-30, 2026, and will consist of two independent events.
On the first day (April 28th 2026), we will host a special session on Bimodal Bilingualism, which will be held in person only. English-International Sign (IS) and Italian Sign Language (LIS) interpretation will be provided.
The plenary speakers for the BMS26 Bimodal Bilingualism session are:
- Karen Emmorey (San Diego State University, USA)
- Francesco Pavani (University of Trento, Italy)
During the following two days (April 29th-30th), we will host the BM Symposium, which will feature in-person presentations only. Online attendance will also be available for non-presenting attendees.
The plenary speakers for the BMS26 Symposium are:
- Julie Franck (University of Geneva, Switzerland)
- Marco Tamburelli (Bangor University, Wales, UK)
Both BMS26 and the Bimodal Bilingualism sessions aim to bring together scholars and practitioners. We welcome submissions featuring academic research, authored by researchers, as well as submissions of classroom studies, small and large community projects, best practice examples, and experience-based reports authored by practitioners. Different submission and review criteria apply for researchers and practitioners (see guidelines below). A practitioner is defined as any individual working only outside academic institutions (e.g. teachers, policymakers, speech-language therapists).
Call for Bilingualism Matters Symposium (BMS26)
Contributions are welcome from a range of perspectives related to:
- the acquisition, development, and use of multiple languages across the lifespan, in both neurotypical and neurodivergent bilinguals;
- cognitive, linguistic, and social aspects of bilingual language learning, processing and use;
- educational approaches to bilingualism, including bilingual and multilingual education, language learning in formal and informal settings, and the education of bilingual children;
- language policy and planning related to bilingual communities:
- societal attitudes, ideologies, and perceptions of bilingualism in diverse contexts.
All theoretical and methodological approaches are welcome.
SUBMISSION LINK for RESEARCHERS: https://app.oxfordabstracts.com/stages/79549/submitter
SUBMISSION LINK for PRACTITIONERS: https://app.oxfordabstracts.com/stages/79550/submitter
Call for BMS26 special session: Bimodal Bilingualism
Contributions are welcome from a range of perspectives related to:
- the acquisition and processing of spoken and signed languages in bimodal bilinguals;
- educational aspects, such as bilingual education involving sign languages;
- policy issues relevant to the recognition and support of bimodal bilingual practices;
- social attitudes and perceptions surrounding sign languages and bimodal bilingualism.
All theoretical and methodological approaches are welcome.
SUBMISSION LINK for RESEARCHERS: https://app.oxfordabstracts.com/stages/79551/submitter
SUBMISSION LINK for PRACTITIONERS: https://app.oxfordabstracts.com/stages/79552/submitter#
General submission guidelines
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All abstracts must be submitted in English.
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Abstracts cannot exceed the limit of 500 words, excluding figures, tables, and references (max. 2 figures or tables and 5 references may be added directly to the submission platform)
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Abstracts should include information on how the research is relevant to the needs of the general public, professionals (health, education, etc.), policymakers, and others.
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Authors can indicate a preference for an oral or poster presentation. However, the BMS26 Committee reserves the right to decide on the final format.
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Abstracts must be submitted directly to the Oxford Abstracts platform, choosing the appropriate link.
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There is no limit on the number of abstract submissions by each individual to either of the events. However, each participant can present ONLY one paper (oral or poster) at each event.
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A contribution can be submitted via the Practitioners link only if none of the contributors is affiliated with an academic institution. If one or more of the authors are academic individuals, the contribution must be submitted via the Researcher link.
Important dates
- Submission deadline: 26th October 2025: 23:59 CET
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Notification of acceptance: 24th November 2025
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Registration opens: 1st October 2025
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Bimodal Bilingualism Special Session: 28th April 2026
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Bilingualism Matters Symposium: 29-30 April 2026
Location
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The conference will take place in the Milan Campus of the University of Milano-Bicocca.
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Virtual attendance (April 29 and 30 only!) will be available via ZOOM.
For further information, please refer to the official website.
