Our Heritage · Since 1984

The Living Archive of Southeast Asian Scholastic Excellence

Since its founding in 1984, the Council of Teachers of Southeast Asian Languages has stood as the definitive nexus for pedagogical innovation and cultural preservation across the global academic landscape.

Who We Are

COTSEAL is a professional interest group whose primary purpose is to promote the discipline of language teaching on all levels: teaching, materials development, and research. We serve as a vital bridge between scholars, educators, and students worldwide, fostering deep appreciation for the linguistic diversity of Southeast Asia.

Membership is open to any individual or institution with a professional interest in the teaching of Southeast Asian languages. COTSEAL is affiliated with the Association for Asian Studies (AAS) and the Southeast Asian Council (SEAC), which oversees the Southeast Asian Studies Summer Institute (SEASSI).

history

A Legacy of Language

Founded at the University of Michigan on August 12, 1984, COTSEAL grew from 24 founding members into a multi-national consortium recognized by the major linguistic and Asian studies societies. The organization's first president, Richard McGinn of Ohio University, guided its constitution, affiliation with AAS, and establishment of the twice-yearly meeting schedule that continues today.

15+ Languages Supported

40+ Years of Service

Our Purpose

"COTSEAL is a professional interest group whose primary purpose is to promote the discipline of language teaching on all levels: teaching, materials development, and research."

— COTSEAL Constitution

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Pedagogy

Developing innovative curricula, teacher training, and standards that reflect contemporary Southeast Asian linguistic needs.

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Collaboration

Facilitating cross-institutional research and exchange through AAS panels, SEASSI workshops, and the COTSEAL annual conference.

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Publications

Publishing the peer-reviewed Journal of Southeast Asian Language Teaching (JSEALT) and archiving scholarly materials for educators worldwide.

Leadership

Current Officers

COTSEAL officers are elected by the membership to serve three-year terms, providing leadership and continuity for the organization's mission.

Dr. Jayson Parba

President

University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa

Dr. Rahmi Aoyama

Vice President

Northern Illinois University

Hoan Nguyen

Secretary

UC San Diego

Historical Record

Past Presidents

New presidents take office after the AAS meeting in the year in which they are elected. Presidents are elected to serve a three-year term.

1984–1987 Richard McGinn Ohio University

1987–1990 Teresita Ramos University of Hawaiʻi, Mānoa

1990–1991 John Hartmann Northern Illinois University

1991–1993 Fredrick Jackson Foreign Service Institute

1993–1996 Teresita Ramos University of Hawaiʻi, Mānoa

1996–1999 Carol Compton University of Wisconsin, Madison

1999–2002 Ruth Mabanglo University of Hawaiʻi, Mānoa

2002–2005 Prawet Jantharat Foreign Service Institute

2005–2008 Bac Hoai Tran University of California, Berkeley

2008–2011 Bac Hoai Tran University of California, Berkeley

2011–2014 Chhany Sak-Humphry University of Hawaiʻi, Mānoa

2014–2017 Frank Smith University of California, Berkeley

2017–2023 Juliana Wijaya University of California, Los Angeles

2023–2026 Agustini University of Michigan

Join the Academic Community

Become a part of the global effort to strengthen Southeast Asian language education and scholarship.

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