The Asian Symposium on Second Language Acquisition and Teacher Education
Welcome | Key Information | Submit a Proposal | Committee | Speakers | Schedule | Location | Registration | Peer Review | Proceedings | Invitation Letters | Exhibitors | Tours | FAQ | Contact
Welcome »
As globalization advances and boundaries between countries fade away, the need to communicate in a second or multiple languages has altered the linguistic landscape. As a result, second language acquisition and foreign language teaching have progressed to the forefront of linguistics, providing a critical framework in understanding how language is acquired or learned and its pedagogical implications. Language today not only links nations but also empowers individuals toward greater upward mobility, all of which makes it an indispensable tool in modern society.
With the theme Breaking Barriers, SLATE 2020 is a wonderful opportunity to share research, insights and techniques, and form professional networks in this burgeoning field of linguistics and education.
Submit a Proposal »
We welcome abstracts of 250 words in English by Friday, June 5, 2020 on the following topics:
| Applied Linguistics | Language Assessment and Pedagogy |
| Further and Higher Education | Learning Strategies |
| Innovation and Change in Education | Second Language Acquisition |
| ICT in Education | Teacher Education |
| Language and Globalization | Other Areas (please specify) |
Format »
For a details regarding the format for oral, poster and virtual presenters, please visit our FAQ section.
Inquiries <anchor> <we realize that this is redundant here, but some posting sites require that a contact email be placed near the top of the page>
For general inquiries, please contact secretariat (at) interpathproject.org
Inquiries »
For general inquiries, please contact secretariat (at) interpathproject.org
Organizing Committee »
SLATE 2020 is organized by Interpath Project, which is a general incorporated association registered in Japan. Our mission advances education, human rights, global health and sustainable development by raising awareness, promoting policies and bringing communities together.
Takayuki Yamada, Organizing Committee Chairperson
Michael Sasaoka-Alvord, Program Director
Gary R. Smith, Media and Technology
Brian Andrews, Secretariat
Speakers TBA »
Schedule »
A tentative schedule providing a general overview of SLATE 2020 is available. Please note the schedule of presenters is only added after early registration.
Download the Tentative Schedule →
Location »
The designated hotel is the Nagasaki ANA Crowne Plaza Hotel. Set on a hilly urban street, this four-star hotel across from Oura Catholic Church, Glover Garden and Nagasaki Harbor. Getting there from Nagasaki Station is a short taxi ride or just two minutes on foot from a tram stop. For more information regarding the venue site, please download the Tentative Schedule.
Hotel Name: Nagasaki ANA Crowne Plaza Gloverhill
Hotel Address: 1-18 Minamiyamatemachi, Nagasaki City, Japan 850-0931
Hotel Phone: +81-95-818-6601
Fax: + +81-95-818-6110
Registration »
The registration fee can be paid in the following ways: (1) Credit Card; (2) ATM in Japan; (3) International Bank Transfer; and (4) Onsite Payment.
For bank details, please contact the Secretariat. Please note that onsite payment is only for poster presenters and audience. After confirmation of your registration payment, we will send you a PDF receipt.
Step 1: Fill out the Registration Application
Submit Registration Application →
Step 2: Pay the Registration Fee
Early registration is available until June 25, after which the registration fee will be increased.
| Fee Type | Early Rate by June 19 | Register Now | Late Rate |
| Oral and Poster | 17,500 JPY |  |
30,000 JPY |
| Audience | 17,500 JPY | |
30,000 JPY |
| Virtual Presenter | 15,000 JPY | |
20,000 JPY |
Deadlines »
- SLATE 2020 will be held Monday and Tuesday, August 10-11, 2020
- The Initial Deadline for Proposals is Friday, June 5, 2020
- Early Registration is available until Friday, June 19, 2020
- All Presenters must register by Friday, July 10, 2020
- Full Papers (optional) are due by Friday, July 10, 2020
- Virtual Presenter Data files are due by Friday, July 10, 2020
Peer Review »
SLATE 2020 is an international, peer-reviewed conference. Our review process employs a double-blind review system with instructions and a scoring rubric that assesses a range of areas. Our review committee members will be announced shortly. If you are interested in becoming a reader for our event, please contact us.
Proceedings »
Please note that only the abstracts undergo a peer-review and that full papers are not peer-reviewed. The proceedings are not peer-reviewed, only the abstract review for participation in this event. The proceedings will be available shortly after the event. Full papers are not peer-reviewed nor required; however, if you would like to submit a paper it must be less than 2500 words and sent in Word format (PDF is not accepted) with a maximum file size of 1.5 MB by the deadline. Correct spelling, grammar and punctuation is the sole responsibility of the author.
Download the Full Paper Guidelines →
Invitation Letters »
The event organizers can provide two types of PDF invitation letters: (1) Invitation to Present an Accepted Proposal (provided free); and (2) Formal Invitation Letter for Travel (Fee: 6000 JPY). Requests for hard copy invitation letters require additional fees for express mail service. Please note that ‘letters of guarantee’ will not be issued.
According to the Japan Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as of 2018, passport holders from (69) countries have visa exemptions for entering Japan, and do not need to apply for a visa with an invitation letter.
Invitation Letter Applications →
Exhibitors »
We welcome publishers, academic institutions, education programs, non-profits and non-governmental organizations, government agencies, and companies to participate in our event.
<insert button here exhibitor application>
Tours »
Glover Garden is an open air museum in Nagasaki that exhibits mansions of several of the city’s former foreign residents and related buildings. It is located on the hill where Western merchants settled down after the end of Japan’s era of seclusion in the second half of the 19th century. The main attraction of the garden is the Former Glover House, the oldest Western-style wooden building in Japan. Thomas Glover (1838-1911) was a Scottish merchant who moved to Nagasaki after the opening of its port to foreign trade in 1859.
We will be providing a limited number of free tickets to visit Glover Garden. The tickets will be dispersed based on request and registration confirmation and other means. Please note that tickets cannot be reserved for unconfirmed registrants nor can more than one ticket be awarded per recipient.
Frequently Asked Questions »
- Presentations, Certificates & Equipment
- Registration, Receipts & Refunds
- Hotel, Meals & Reception
- Scholarships & Funding
Presentations, Certificates & Equipment [back to top of questions]
- How much time is given for oral presentations?
Oral presenters are allotted 20 to 25 minutes and arranged in parallel sessions of 3 to 5 presenters. After the presentation you will be given a Certificate of Presentation. - What equipment is provided for oral presentations?
Computers, projectors, laser pointers and screens will be provided in each presentation room. - What equipment is provided for poster presentations?
Boards mounted on stands will be provided with tape. Posters should be A0 47 x 33 inches (118cm x 84cm). After the Poster Session you will be given a Certificate of Presentation. - What are the instructions for virtual presentations?
Prepare a 10-minute video using the instructions we send to you. Please note that the program, receipt and certificate of presentation for virtual presenters are sent in PDF only.
Registration, Receipts and Refunds [back to top of questions]
- What does the registration fee include?
Entrance to all sessions, official program, name badge, coffee breaks and a certificate. - Does the registration fee include fees for travel expenses, hotel expenses or meals?
No. The registration fee does not include costs related to travel, such as transportation, hotel accommodation, meals, visa fees or sightseeing. - Can the registration fee be waived or reduced?
No. The registration fee is required for all attending participants and virtual presenters to cover the costs of the facility use, equipment, breaks, publications, etc. - How can I receive a receipt for my registration payment?
After confirming the registration payment, we will send you a PDF receipt. We will also print out the PDF receipts for participants attending the event onsite, if you require a hard copy - May family members and friends attend for free?
No. Due to security, only registrants may attend. Also, no children are allowed. - Do audience registrants also receive a certificate?
Yes. Audience will receive a Certificate of Attendance. - What is the refund policy if I have paid the registration fee, but suddenly cannot attend?
The organizers can provide a full refund of the registration fee for confirmed registrants up to two weeks before the event. - What is the refund policy if the event is postponed or cancelled due to force majeure?
If the event is postponed or cancelled due to unforeseeable circumstances, all participants that have paid the registration fee will receive a full refund of the registration payment. The organizers shall not be held responsible for travel or other costs.
Hotel, Meals & Receptions [back to top of questions]
- Does the designated hotel or other hotels offer discount rates for participants?
No. Traditionally, hotels in Japan do not offer discount rates for event participants. - Can you help me find a hotel and/or make a reservation?
There are many hotel websites offering rate and reservation details. We do not get involved with finding hotels or making reservations for participants. - Will the event have coffee breaks?
Yes. Coffee will be served in the morning. Tea and ice water will be served all day. - Will there be a welcome reception?
Yes. We will organize a ticketed welcome dinner on the first day of the event. Tickets are 3,500 JPY and can be purchased at the registration table. - May I bring a friend or family member to the reception?
Yes. Guests must also purchase a reception ticket (3,500 JPY). No children allowed. Seating is limited.
Scholarships & Funding [back to top of questions]
- What if I cannot attend due to financial difficulties?
We offer a virtual presentation option for participants unable to attend in person due to the high cost of travel and/or lack of financial support. - Do you offer scholarships, funding or waivers to participants?
Unfortunately, we are unable to offer scholarships or funding. The registration cannot be waived. This is a small event and the budget is very limited. We hope this situation will change in the future.
Contact »
For general inquiries, please contact secretariat (at) interpathproject.org