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The purpose of the Association for Linguistic Typology (ALT), founded in March 1994 and currently claiming more than 600 members, is to advance the scientific study of typology, that is, of cross-linguistic diversity and the patterns underlying it. To that end ALT seeks
- to further mutual awareness, dialogue, and co-operation within the international community of typologists;
- to give typology a higher profile within as well as outside linguistics, and in particular to act as an interest group of typologists in relation to the world of science and science funding.
- the organization of annual or biennial meetings and occasional regional workshops;
- the publication of a journal;
- the regular awarding of a prize for outstanding typological research of prizes for outstanding typological studies and reference grammars.
At ALT's meetings priority is given to the unhurried presentation and discussion of typological research. Under the auspices of ALT, Mouton de Gruyter publishes a journal catering for the special needs of the typological community. The journal appears in three issues per year.