The South Atlantic Modern Language Association (SAMLA) was established in 1928 as a regional affiliate of the Modern Language Association, the premier organization for the study of English and other modern languages in the United States. SAMLA operates as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, fully distinct from the MLA in governance and operations. SAMLA hosts an annual conference and publishes South Atlantic Review, a prestigious, peer-reviewed journal with readers in more than 200 countries.  

SAMLA is a professional association for those interested in modern languages and literatures. We welcome membership from any academic rank (undergraduates through retired, emeriti professors) or professionals outside traditional academia (K-12 teachers, librarians, authors, etc.). SAMLA’s annual conference typically attracts nearly athousand attendees from every U.S. state and every continent except Antarctica. 

Absolutely! Though we are the “South Atlantic” MLA in name, our membership, conference, and journal encompass participants from every U.S. state and every continent except Antarctica. 

Absolutely! Though we are the “South Atlantic” MLA in name, our membership, conference, and journal encompass participants from every U.S. state and every continent except Antarctica. For international participants, we can provide an official letter of invitation for visa processing upon request (please email samla@gsu.edu).  

Click the “Ballast Login” button in the top-right corner of the website. You will be redirected to our conference software, Ballast Academic. Please click “Create User Account” and follow the on-screen instructions. Once your user account is created, you will automatically become a part of SAMLA’s mailing list. 

Though membership is not required to join the mailing list, it is required to attend the annual conference, access the South Atlantic Review (our flagship journal), or to apply for an award. 

Click the “Ballast Login” button in the top-right corner of the website. You will be redirected to our conference software, Ballast Academic. Please create “Create User Account” and follow the on-screen instructions, or login to your account if you have one already. Once logged in, click on the “Membership and Registration” tab in Ballast. Select the item for “[calendar year] Membership.” Click “Next” and follow the instructions on the remaining payments. We accept all major credit cards, though we prefer debit card payments if possible.  

Membership costs vary based on academic rank. Visit the “Membership Rates and Forms” page on our website under the Membership drop-down menu for more information. 

Membership lasts for one calendar year from the date of purchase. You will be required to renew your membership each year to remain eligible to attend the annual conference and to have access to SAR. 

If you need to contact us, you can email samla@gsu.edu. Please keep in mind that, during peak seasons, response time can take up to 5-7 business days.