The Modern Language Association of Northern Ireland (MLANI) was founded in 1977 at the (then) New University of Ulster, on the initiative of Professor John Renwick, by local teachers and lecturers from the two universities, NUU and Queen's Belfast, and the two Colleges of Education, Stranmillis College and St Mary's. Its aim was to encourage and stimulate interest in language study in Northern Ireland, as well as promote and support the teaching of modern languages and their culture in both schools and universities.

Over the years the Association has organized conferences on a wide range of issues of interest to teachers of languages at all levels, providing talks and workshops on all aspects of language teaching and the examination syllabus and debating issues of concern to teachers.

In addition, the Association sponsors an annual prize, the Weil Award, for those candidates who achieve the highest marks in two languages at A Level with CCEA. Another regular feature of the Association's activity is the Annual Dinner. MLANI is run by an Executive Committee formed of lecturers from the two universities and teachers.

The Association seeks to be forward-looking, concerned with all aspects of languages at all levels and to co-operate as fully as possible with other bodies and agencies with similar aims.

Dr. Stanley Black,
Honorary Secretary