July 22-24, 2026 | Philippines

The 21st NAKEM International Conference invites educators, researchers, policymakers, language advocates, and community leaders from around the world to gather in the Philippines for a transformative dialogue on mother tongue-based multilingual education. Under the theme "Language is People, the First Word Matters," this conference emphasizes the critical importance of first language acquisition and the foundational role that mother tongue education plays in cognitive development, cultural identity, and academic success.

This milestone gathering will showcase innovative practices, research breakthroughs, and collaborative solutions that advance language-in-education policies worldwide. We welcome contributions that explore the intersections of linguistic diversity, educational equity, and sustainable development in diverse global contexts.

Language is not merely a tool for communication—it is the essence of humanity itself. Language embodies people: their stories, wisdom, struggles, and dreams. The first words a child learns shape their worldview, cognitive architecture, and sense of belonging. This theme underscores that when we protect and promote languages, we honor the people who speak them, recognizing that language diversity is human diversity.

The conference will explore how affirming and utilizing learners' first languages in educational settings can:

• Enhance cognitive development and critical thinking skills
• Strengthen cultural identity and intergenerational knowledge transfer
• Improve learning outcomes across all subject areas
• Promote inclusive education and reduce educational inequities
• Support the preservation and revitalization of endangered languages
• Foster multilingual competencies in an increasingly interconnected world

We invite scholars and practitioners to share research, innovations, and grassroots experiences that demonstrate the transformative power of mother tongue-based multilingual education in diverse contexts across Asia, the Pacific, and beyond.

We welcome submissions addressing, but not limited to, the following areas:

1. Mother Tongue-Based Multilingual Education (MTB-MLE)

• Implementation strategies and best practices
• Transitional programs and bridge language approaches
• Teacher preparation and professional development
• Community engagement and parental involvement

2. Language Policy and Planning

• National and regional language-in-education policies
• Language rights and linguistic justice
• Policy implementation challenges and solutions
• Advocacy and language activism

3. Indigenous Languages and Cultural Preservation

• Language revitalization and maintenance efforts
• Indigenous knowledge systems and pedagogy
• Intergenerational transmission of language and culture
• Community-based language documentation

4. First Language Acquisition and Development

• Early childhood language development
• Cognitive benefits of mother tongue instruction
• Literacy development in first language
• Neurolinguistic research on language learning

5. Multilingualism and Identity

• Language, culture, and identity formation
• Multilingual identity development
• Language attitudes and stigmatization
• Sociolinguistic perspectives on language use

6. Language Materials Development

• Curriculum design and adaptation
• Textbook and resource development
• Culturally responsive teaching materials
• Open educational resources for minority languages

7. Technology in Language Education

• Digital tools for language learning and documentation
• Online platforms for multilingual education
• Language technology for minority and indigenous languages
• Artificial intelligence and machine translation

8. Assessment in Mother Tongue Education

• Culturally and linguistically appropriate assessment
• Measuring learning outcomes in MTB-MLE programs
• Formative and summative assessment strategies
• Standardized testing in multilingual contexts

We welcome submissions in the following formats:

1. Full Research Papers

   Original empirical or theoretical research (5,000-7,000 words). Papers should present completed research with robust methodology, data analysis, and significant findings relevant to the conference theme.

2. Work-in-Progress Papers

   Preliminary research findings or ongoing studies (3,000-4,000 words). These submissions should outline research questions, methodology, and initial findings, with plans for completion.

3. Poster Presentations

   Visual presentations of research, programs, or initiatives (500-word abstract). Posters will be displayed throughout the conference with designated presentation times for discussion.

4. Workshop Proposals

   Interactive sessions focused on practical skills, tools, or methodologies (90-120 minutes). Proposals should include learning objectives, activities, and participant takeaways (1,000-word proposal).

5. Panel Discussions

   Structured discussions featuring 3-5 panelists addressing a specific topic (90 minutes). Proposals should identify panelists, their expertise, and key discussion points (1,500-word proposal).

6. Roundtable Sessions

   Small-group discussions on emerging issues or collaborative projects (60 minutes). Proposals should outline the topic and facilitation approach (500-word proposal).

• Language: English (with abstracts in local languages encouraged)
• Format: Microsoft Word (.docx) or PDF
• Font: Arial or Times New Roman, 12-point
• Spacing: 1.5 line spacing
• Margins: 1-inch (2.54 cm) on all sides
• Citation Style: APA 7th Edition
• Anonymization: Remove all author identifying information for blind peer review

All submissions must include:

• Title of paper/presentation
• Abstract (250-300 words)
• Keywords (5-7 keywords)
• Author information (separate document): names, affiliations, email addresses, brief bio (100 words)
• Full paper or proposal (following word count requirements above)

Submit all materials through email at nakem2026@parsu.edu.ph.

Upon submission, you will receive a confirmation email with a submission ID. Please retain this for future correspondence.

All submissions will undergo a rigorous double-blind peer review process. Each submission will be evaluated by at least two expert reviewers from our international review panel.

Submissions will be evaluated based on:

• Relevance: Alignment with conference theme and sub-themes
• Originality: Contribution of new knowledge, perspectives, or practices
• Methodology: Rigor and appropriateness of research design and methods
• Significance: Potential impact on policy, practice, or theory
• Clarity: Quality of writing and presentation
• Practicality: Applicability to real-world contexts and challenges

Authors will receive notification of acceptance, revision, or rejection within 4-6 weeks of the submission deadline. Authors of accepted papers may be invited to revise and resubmit based on reviewer feedback.

At least one author of each accepted submission must register for the conference by the early bird registration deadline to ensure inclusion in the program.

* All fees shall be collected by NAKEM

• Access to all conference sessions, plenaries, and workshops
• Conference materials and program book
• Welcome reception and cultural evening
• Daily refreshments and lunch
• Conference certificate of participation
• Access to published conference proceedings

The conference will be held in Camarines Sur, The Philippines, at a premier conference facility. Specific venue details will be announced upon acceptance notification.

We have secured preferential rates at several hotels near the conference venue. Booking information will be provided to registered participants. We recommend making early reservations to ensure availability.

Manila is served by Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA). The way to Camarines Sur is via plane (Manila-to-Naga-Manila), or by bus.

Visa requirements for participants that do not hold Philippine passports should contact the Philippines’ Department of Foreign Affairs for visa requirements.

All accepted papers will be published in the official conference proceedings (with ISBN). Selected high-quality papers will be invited for submission to:

• Special issues in peer-reviewed international journals
• Edited volumes on conference themes
• Online open-access repositories

The conference will present the following awards:

• Best Research Paper Award
• Outstanding Young Researcher Award
• Best Poster Presentation Award
• Innovation in Practice Award

For inquiries, please contact:

Inquiries: nakem2026@parsu.edu.ph

Social Media: @NAKEM2026

We welcome sponsorship and partnership from organizations committed to advancing multilingual education and linguistic diversity. Various sponsorship packages are available, including:

• Platinum, Gold, Silver, and Bronze sponsorship levels
• Exhibition booth opportunities
• Workshop or session sponsorship
• Special event sponsorship (welcome reception, cultural evening, etc.)

For sponsorship inquiries, please contact: nakem2026@parsu.edu.ph

The 21st NAKEM Conference represents a unique opportunity to engage with a global community dedicated to honoring linguistic diversity and promoting equitable, culturally responsive education. We invite you to contribute your voice, research, and experience to this important conversation.

Language is people. The first word matters.

Together, let us advance mother tongue-based multilingual education and ensure that every child could learn in the language that speaks to their heart and mind.

We look forward to welcoming you to Camarines Sur in July 2026!