ICELS 2026

The International Conference on English Language Studies (ICELS) was established through a collaborative initiative amongst four universities in Northeast Thailand: The English Language Department, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Khon Kaen University; The Department of Western Languages and Linguistics, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Mahasarakham University; The School of Foreign Languages, Institute of Social Technology, Suranaree University of Technology; and The English Department, Faculty of Liberal Arts, Ubon Ratchathani University.

Dedicated specifically to the field of English language studies, ICELS stands as the international conference that is biannually co-hosted by four universities. The conference aims to provide a platform for local and international postgraduate students, scholars, and researchers to present their work, engage with peers, and keep abreast of emerging trends in research and innovation in English language studies including: English language learning, teaching, and assessment; language, society, and communication; discourse and language analysis; and language, culture, and texts. ICELS serves as a space for knowledge sharing, intellectual exchange, and professional networking amongst individuals who share a common academic interest at local, national, and international levels, fostering both current and future collaborative endeavors.

With hosting responsibilities rotating amongst the four partner universities on a regular basis, the inaugural conference was held at Ubon Ratchathani University in 2014. In 2026, Khon Kaen University will serve as the principal host, marking its return to the role it last fulfilled in 2019.

This occasion will represent the 8th International Conference on English Language Studies, held under the theme: "Multilingualism at the Crossroads: Reimagining English Language Practices, Education, and Research". This theme invites participants to celebrate and reflect upon multilingualism — not merely as a linguistic phenomenon, but as a lived, personal, and social experience. Under the guiding spirit of "Celebrating Multilingualism in Yourself and Society", the conference encourages scholars, educators, and researchers to recognize the linguistic diversity present within individuals and communities, and to consider how such diversity might be harnessed as a positive and transformative force. Rather than viewing multilingualism as a challenge or an obstacle, ICELS 2026 seeks to reframe it as a valuable resource — one that has the potential to reshape ideologies, inform everyday practices, and influence educational and social policies at local, national, and international levels. By bringing together diverse voices and perspectives, the conference aspires to generate meaningful dialogue on how multilingual realities can be embraced more fully within language education, research frameworks, and policy-making processes.

Looking ahead, the collaboration is set to extend well beyond the four founding universities. ICELS 2026 marks an important step towards broadening its network by creating partnerships with well-established academic and professional associations both within Thailand and overseas. These expanded collaborations are anticipated to bring considerable benefit to students, scholars, researchers, and the wider community, offering fresh perspectives, enriching academic experiences, and opening new avenues for intellectual and professional growth.