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The 16th World Congress of Applied Linguistics opened at Beijing Foreign Studies University (BFSU), the first time that the Congress has ever taken place in China.

More than 1,500 participants from 63 countries and regions are to discuss linguistic issues under the theme “Harmony in Diversity: Language, Culture, Society” at the conference sponsored by the International Association of Applied Linguistics (AILA) and organized by China English Language Education Association (CELEA), BFSU, National Research Center for Foreign Language Education and Foreign Language Teaching and Research Press.

"As one of the four ancient civilizations, China has been attaching great importance to language research and practice. The 16th World Congress of Applied Linguistics is a platform for scholars and researchers to share their ideas and achievements,” addressed Liu Limin, vice minister of Education in China, at the opening ceremony of the Congress.

"This will enhance the development of applied linguistics, deepened mutual understanding and friendship, and extent profound influence to the progress of human civilization.”

Chen Yulu, president of BFSU, said the event will pave the way to further collaborations among the participants and a prosperous development in applied linguistics.

Professor Martin Bygate, president of AILA, expressed his heartfelt thanks to the Chinese organizers and to all those who had made the Congress possible.

"This first AILA Congress in China will be a moment to savor in life,” Bygate said.