Moderator: Albert Valdman, Indiana University

Albert Valdman is currently Rudy Professor of  French/Italian and Linguistics (emeritus) and director of the Creole Institute at Indiana University. His research and professional interests span a broad range of areas in applied and descriptive linguistics, including second language acquisition research, foreign language teaching, pidgin and creole studies, and French linguistics. A pioneer in the study of varieties of French outside of France, recently, he has been involved in lexicographic projects aimed at documenting French-related varieties in Louisiana. At present, he has completed the most extensive bilingual dictionary for Haitian Creole and he is exploring dialect contact in Haiti.

In 1976 Valdman founded Studies in Second Language Acquisition and continues at its editor. He served as secretary-treasurer of AAAL during the Association’s early stage, as well as secretary-general of AILA and, for two terms, at its president.  He also was elected vice-president and president of the American Association of Teachers of French.

Please direct questions to aaal2007@indiana.edu  *  Costa Mesa, California  *  April 21-24, 2007