Communities developing resources and competencies for using their languages
Foundational understanding for language development work of all kinds
Publications, fonts and computer tools for language development, translation and research
SIL offers training in disciplines relevant to sustainable language development.
7,097 languages are spoken or signed. CLICK for map of world languages & regional websites.
SIL's dedication to language development past and present
SIL International is a faith-based nonprofit organization committed to serving language communities worldwide as they build capacity for sustainable language development. SIL does this primarily through research, translation, training and materials development. SIL works alongside ethnolinguistic communities and their partners as they discover how language development addresses the challenging areas of their daily lives—social, cultural, political, economic and spiritual.
Founded in 1934, SIL (originally known as the Summer Institute of Linguistics, Inc.) has grown from a small summer linguistics training program with two students to a staff of over 4,800, from 84 countries. Currently SIL works alongside speakers of more than 1,700 languages in over 100 countries. The organization makes its services available to all, without regard to religious belief, political ideology, gender, race or ethnolinguistic background.
Administration
The international headquarters for SIL is located in Dallas, Texas, USA, with additional regional administrative offices on five continents. The organization is incorporated as the Summer Institute of Linguistics, Inc. (SIL), a Texas non-profit educational corporation, and is recognized by the U.S. Internal Revenue Service as exempt from income tax under Section 501(c)3 of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code. An international Board of Directors with thirteen members from eight nations provides governance to SIL.
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SIL International 7500 W. Camp Wisdom Road Dallas, Texas 75236-5629 USA Phone: 972-708-7400 E-mail: Web: www.sil.org