The Society also sponsors sessions at the national conventions of the Modern Language Association , the National Council of Teachers of English , the Dictionary Society of North America , and the International Linguistic Association, and regional meetings at the regional affiliates of the Modern Language Association. All these are announced in the ADS Newsletter . The name of this association is the American Dialect Society. The American Dialect Society is organized in the interest of the academic community and not for profit. Its object is the study of the English language in North America, together with other languages or dialects of other languages influencing it or influenced by it.
Members are in good standing if they have paid dues for the current calendar year.
Dues are established by the Executive Council and are for the calendar year. A person may become a life member by paying an amount set by the Executive Council. A life member shall be exempt from further payment of dues. After retirement, a person who has been a member of the Society for 20 years may become an emeritus member with the privileges of voting, presenting papers, and receiving the Newsletter. The Society shall hold an annual meeting at such time and place as the Executive Council shall determine.