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Modern Language Association

Logo: Mlaoutreach, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons3

US professional association for language and literature scholars

The Modern Language Association of America, often referred to as the Modern Language Association (MLA), is widely considered the principal professional association in the United States for scholars of language and literature. The MLA aims to "strengthen the study and teaching of language and literature". The organization includes over 20,000 members in 100 countries, primarily academic scholars, professors, and graduate students who study or teach language and literature, including English, other modern languages, and comparative literature.2 It was founded by Aaron Marshall Elliott.1 Its revenue was $17 million in 2023.1 Wikipedia text CC BY-SA 4.0

Last updated Oct 21, 2026.

Overview

1883Founded1
  • Industryhigher education1
  • HeadquartersNew York City1
  • Websitewww.mla.org

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The Modern Language Association of America, often referred to as the Modern Language Association (MLA), is widely considered the principal professional association in the United States for scholars of language and literature. The MLA aims to "strengthen the study and teaching of language and literature". The organization includes over 20,000 members in 100 countries, primarily academic scholars, professors, and graduate students who study or teach language and literature, including English, other modern languages, and comparative literature. Although founded in the United States, with offices in New York City, the MLA's membership, concerns, reputation, and influence are international in scope.2

The story

Founded by Aaron Marshall Elliott in 1883.1

The MLA was founded in 1883, as a discussion and advocacy group for the study of literature and modern languages (that is, all but classical languages, such as ancient Latin and Greek). According to its profile featured by the American Council of Learned Societies (ACLS), "The Modern Language Association is formed for educational, scientific, literary, and social objects and purposes, and more specifically for the promotion of the academic and scientific study of English, German, French, Spanish, Italian, and other so-called modern languages and literatures."

From Wikipedia’s article on Modern Language Association, shared under CC BY-SA 4.0.4

Leadership

Who has led Modern Language Association, and when. Pick a name to see everywhere that person has worked.

Board members and other officers (1)

Revenue over time

As stated on Wikidata, in the currency reported.

Revenue

Modern Language Association revenue by year1$17.0M in 2023+5% since 2014
0$5.0M$10.0M$15.0M$20.0M2014: $16.2M$16.2M20142015: $18.1M$18.1M2015+12%2016: $15.6M$15.6M2016−13%2017: $16.2M$16.2M2017+4%2018: $17.3M$17.3M2018+7%2019: $16.2M$16.2M2019−6%2020: $14.6M$14.6M2020−10%2021: $16.2M$16.2M2021+11%2022: $18.0M$18.0M2022+11%2023: $17.0M$17.0M2023−5%
  • 2023$17.0M1
  • 2022$18.0M1
  • 2021$16.2M1
  • 2020$14.6M1
  • 2019$16.2M1
  • 2018$17.3M1

Timeline

  1. 1883Founded Founded1

Sources

The numbers on this page point here. Each one links to the record it came from.

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