This presidential address sketches the development of the Linguistic Society of America since 1924, indicates the motives for its formation, and surveys its progress, status, and impact in the field of linguistics, both in the lay and scholarly spheres. The organization's role in the study of foreign languages, English, and English as a second language is stressed, and supporting statistics are provided. In conclusion it is suggested that the group focus less attention on research than on pedagogical and curricular matters involved in fostering the growth of linguistics and related studies. (JH)