By Yi Wang and Mariah Toset

ACLALS is the abbreviation for the Association for Commonwealth Literature and Language Studies. To discuss the issues of “Commonwealth Literature”, Professor A. N. Jeffares organized a conference at the University of Leeds in 1964, at which the Association for Commonwealth Literature and Language Studies (ACLALS) was formed. Since then, ACLALS has devoted to the study of Commonwealth and post-colonial literature, bringing together scholars, authors and readers from Canada, Australia, South Africa, the South Pacific and other places at its triennial conferences. In between there have been also numerous local gatherings, which often attract as distinguished participants as the main events.

“Commonwealth” may perhaps be “the earliest incarnation of post-colonial studies” (Boehmer and Moore-Gilbert 9). The first institutional use of the term “Commonwealth Literature” was at the inaugural conference of ACLALS in 1964. However, with the development of the organization, disputes emerged around the term. Some chapters proposed alternatives such as “postcolonial,” arguing that it reflects critical scrutiny and decentered perspectives (Davies 585). At the same time, the term “Postcolonial” also has limitations (Rampure 4).

The Association for Commonwealth Literature and Language Studies focuses on both Commonwealth and post-colonial literature. It includes literature from former British colonies, English-language writing worldwide, and texts addressing colonial issues. As Nandan notes, the field has evolved from exclusion to inclusion, incorporating translations and texts not originally written in English.

By supporting post-colonial writing, ACLALS has helped to transcend nationalism and identity boundaries, encouraging dialogue among diverse cultures. As The Journal of Postcolonial Writing observes, such networks remain essential tools for resistance and reconciliation (Davies 588).

While Britain was once the center of Commonwealth studies, the focus gradually shifted to former colonies. This transition significantly influenced Australian literature and reshaped British literary studies, illustrating how “the empire writes back” (Niven 520).

ACLALS now has over 10,000 members and ten regional branches across the Commonwealth and Europe. The association has been instrumental in promoting Indigenous voices and examining the role of English as an international literary language.

ACLALS has produced multiple publications to highlight member scholarship and contemporary issues, including newsletters and journals such as Chimo and Phoenix. Members also hold editorial roles in journals like Current Writing and The European Journal of English Studies.

Financial support from the Commonwealth Foundation ceased in the 2010s, after which ACLALS has relied on membership fees and local grants. Despite this, triennial conferences continue. A full list of past conferences is available here .

With the passing of several founders, ACLALS entered a transitional phase. Efforts to preserve its history began in 2016. Prominent members are profiled here .

To support further scholarship, additional Resources and an Archive of original ACLALS documents have been compiled.