About the Journal

The International Journal of Language Studies  ISSN: 3078-2244

About the Journal:

The International Journal of Language Studies (ISSN: 3078-2244) is a leading peer-reviewed, open-access journal dedicated to fostering high-quality research and scholarly dialogue in the diverse field of language studies. Since its inception, IJLS has provided a platform for the dissemination of innovative research that advances theoretical, methodological, and applied perspectives on language phenomena.

The journal's primary mission is to enhance the global understanding of language by publishing original, thought-provoking research that addresses the complexities and multifaceted nature of language use, learning, and teaching. IJLS is committed to bridging the gap between different linguistic traditions and promoting cross-disciplinary studies that incorporate insights from fields such as linguistics, sociolinguistics, psycholinguistics, language policy, and language education.

Fields of Study Covered:

IJLS welcomes submissions that contribute to a broad range of topics within language studies, including but not limited to:

  • Theoretical Linguistics: Articles that explore foundational issues in phonetics, phonology, morphology, syntax, semantics, and pragmatics, as well as the interfaces between these domains.

  • Applied Linguistics: Research on language learning and teaching methodologies, second language acquisition, language assessment, curriculum design, and the use of technology in language education.

  • Sociolinguistics: Studies that examine language in its social context, including research on language variation and change, language policy and planning, language and identity, and multilingualism.

  • Psycholinguistics and Cognitive Linguistics: Contributions that focus on the psychological and cognitive processes involved in language acquisition, comprehension, production, and bilingualism.

  • Corpus Linguistics: Empirical studies using corpora to analyze language patterns and usage, and to develop new methods for linguistic research.

  • Language Policy and Planning: Papers that investigate the development, implementation, and effects of language policies at local, national, or international levels.

By providing unrestricted access to cutting-edge research, IJLS aims to serve as a valuable resource for linguists, language educators, policy makers, and anyone with a vested interest in the study of language. The journal promotes a collaborative and inclusive approach to language research, encouraging contributions from scholars around the world to enrich the academic conversation on language and its role in human society.

Open Access Policy:

The International Journal of Language Studies (IJLS) is committed to an open-access publishing model, ensuring that all research published in the journal is freely and permanently available to readers and researchers worldwide. By adhering to this policy, IJLS removes financial and accessibility barriers, enabling unrestricted access to high-quality scholarly content and fostering a wider dissemination of knowledge.

Our open-access policy reflects our dedication to promoting academic inclusivity and facilitating the global exchange of ideas in the field of language studies. All articles published in IJLS are accessible immediately upon publication, without any subscription fees or paywalls. This approach allows authors to reach a broader audience, enhancing the visibility, impact, and citation of their work.

By providing open access to cutting-edge research, IJLS supports the principles of academic freedom, transparency, and collaboration. It also aligns with the journal's mission to advance language studies and contribute to the global understanding of language phenomena. Additionally, open access enhances public engagement with scholarly work, enabling educators, practitioners, policy-makers, and the general public to benefit from the latest research findings.

Under this model, authors retain copyright of their work while granting IJLS the license to publish and distribute their articles under a Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY). This license allows others to share, use, and adapt the published work, provided appropriate credit is given to the original author(s), further contributing to the open dissemination of knowledge.

Focus and Scope:

The International Journal of Language Studies (IJLS) encompasses a wide range of topics within the field of language studies, welcoming diverse and multidisciplinary research that contributes to the understanding of language in its many forms and functions. Our journal serves as a platform for innovative and original scholarship, promoting both theoretical exploration and practical applications across various domains of linguistics.

Key Areas of Focus:

  • Theoretical Linguistics:
    Articles that delve into the core areas of linguistic theory, including phonetics, phonology, morphology, syntax, semantics, and pragmatics. IJLS is interested in research that pushes the boundaries of existing linguistic theory, explores novel frameworks, and investigates the intricate relationships between different components of language.

  • Applied Linguistics:
    Research that addresses practical aspects of language use and teaching, including language acquisition and learning, language pedagogy, assessment, curriculum development, and educational technology. Submissions that propose new methods or strategies for language teaching and learning, or that analyze existing practices, are highly encouraged.

  • Sociolinguistics:
    Studies examining the social dimensions of language use, including language variation and change, language and identity, multilingualism, language ideologies, and language policy and planning. IJLS seeks contributions that explore how language operates within various social, cultural, and political contexts, and how it intersects with issues of power, community, and social justice.

  • Psycholinguistics and Cognitive Linguistics:
    Contributions that investigate the cognitive processes underlying language comprehension, production, and acquisition. This includes research on language processing, the mental lexicon, language development in monolingual and bilingual individuals, and the cognitive aspects of language use.

  • Corpus Linguistics:
    Empirical studies using large linguistic corpora to analyze patterns of language use, variation, and change. Papers that utilize quantitative and qualitative methods to provide new insights into linguistic phenomena or to develop innovative tools and methodologies for corpus analysis are welcomed.

  • Language Policy and Planning:
    Research on the formulation, implementation, and impact of language policies at local, national, and international levels. IJLS is particularly interested in studies that explore the role of language policy in education, governance, cultural preservation, and social integration.

  • Interdisciplinary and Cross-Cultural Studies:
    Papers that draw on multiple disciplines to explore language-related phenomena, or that compare linguistic practices across different cultures and communities, offering fresh perspectives on global and local language issues.

By embracing a broad range of topics and methodological approaches, IJLS aims to foster a dynamic and inclusive environment for language scholarship. The journal encourages submissions from both established and emerging scholars that advance knowledge, provoke critical thought, and contribute to the ongoing dialogue in the field of language studies. 

Frequency of Publication:

The International Journal of Language Studies (IJLS) is published quarterly, with four issues released each year. Our publication schedule is designed to provide a consistent flow of high-quality research articles, reviews, and scholarly discussions, contributing to the advancement of language studies.

  • March Issue is published on March 15
  • June Issue is published on June 15
  • September Issue is published on September 15
  • December Issue is published on December 15

Each issue of IJLS showcases a diverse array of original research, theoretical explorations, methodological advancements, and practical applications across various domains of linguistics. By adhering to a quarterly publication schedule, IJLS ensures timely access to the latest developments in the field, thereby supporting the continuous dissemination of knowledge and fostering academic dialogue among researchers, educators, and practitioners worldwide.

Submissions to IJLS are accepted throughout the year. Manuscripts that are accepted are scheduled for publication in the next available issue, facilitating the prompt dissemination of valuable research to the academic community and beyond.

Time to Publication:

The International Journal of Language Studies (IJLS) is committed to an efficient and transparent publication process to ensure timely dissemination of scholarly research. The time to publication involves several key stages, including submission, peer review, revision, and final acceptance. The following outlines the typical timeline:

  1. Initial Submission and Editorial Review:
    Upon receiving a manuscript, the editorial team conducts a preliminary review to assess its relevance, originality, and adherence to the journal’s scope and submission guidelines. This initial screening is usually completed within 1-2 weeks.

  2. Peer Review Process:
    Manuscripts that pass the initial review are sent to expert reviewers for a rigorous, double-blind peer review. The peer review process typically takes 4-6 weeks, depending on the responsiveness of reviewers and the nature of the manuscript. Authors will be notified of the decision—acceptance, revision, or rejection—based on the reviewers' feedback.

  3. Revisions and Resubmission:
    If revisions are requested, authors are usually given 2-4 weeks to make the necessary changes and resubmit the revised manuscript. The revised manuscript may undergo additional rounds of review, depending on the extent of the revisions required.

  4. Final Decision and Copyediting:
    Once a manuscript is accepted for publication, it undergoes copyediting and formatting to ensure clarity, consistency, and adherence to the journal's style. This stage usually takes 1-2 weeks.

  5. Proofreading and Author Approval:
    Authors receive the final proof of their manuscript to check for any minor errors or corrections. This step typically requires 1 week for completion.

  6. Publication Online:
    After the final proof is approved by the authors, the manuscript is published in the next available issue of IJLS. The time from final acceptance to online publication is typically within 2-3 weeks.

Overall, the average time from initial submission to publication in IJLS is approximately 12-16 weeks. This timeframe ensures a rigorous review process while maintaining efficiency, allowing new research to be disseminated promptly to the global academic community. The journal is dedicated to minimizing delays at each stage to provide authors with timely feedback and ensure the swift publication of high-quality research.

Copyright and Licensing:

At the International Journal of Language Studies (IJLS), we believe in balancing the rights of authors with the need to disseminate knowledge widely. All authors who publish with IJLS retain the copyright of their work. This approach allows authors to maintain ownership over their intellectual property while also benefiting from the visibility and reach provided by open-access publishing.

When an article is accepted for publication in IJLS, the authors grant the journal a license to publish and distribute the work under the terms of a Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY). This license permits others to share, copy, distribute, and adapt the work for any purpose, including commercial use, provided that appropriate credit is given to the original authors, a link to the license is provided, and any changes made are indicated.

By applying the CC BY license, IJLS ensures that the research published is freely accessible and can be used to its fullest potential by the global research community. This open-access model aligns with the journal's mission to promote the broad dissemination of scholarly knowledge and to foster innovation through unrestricted access to research findings.

Sponsorship and Funding:

The International Journal of Language Studies (IJLS) operates with a transparent approach to funding and financial support. The journal is dedicated to maintaining the highest standards of academic integrity and openness in its operations. Below is a detailed overview of our funding structure and financial support mechanisms:

  1. External Funding and Sponsorship: IJLS does not receive external funding or sponsorship from governmental bodies, private organizations, or other institutions. Our independent operation ensures that the journal remains impartial and free from external influences that could affect editorial decisions or the integrity of the peer review process.

  2. Financial Support and Sustainability: The financial sustainability of IJLS is primarily supported through Article Processing Charges (APCs). Authors are required to pay an APC upon acceptance of their manuscripts for publication. These charges cover the costs associated with the peer review process, editorial management, and the production and dissemination of articles.

    The APCs enable IJLS to provide its open-access model, ensuring that all published research is freely accessible to readers and researchers around the world. This approach aligns with our commitment to promoting the broad dissemination of scholarly work and advancing the field of language studies.

  3. Fee Structure: The APC for publishing in IJLS is set at a level that balances affordability for authors with the need to cover operational costs. The specific APC amount is outlined on the journal's website and is subject to periodic review to ensure that it reflects current costs while remaining fair and transparent.

  4. Financial Transparency: IJLS is committed to financial transparency and accountability. Detailed information about the journal's funding sources, APCs, and financial practices is readily accessible on our website. We strive to provide clear and honest communication about how the journal’s operations are funded and supported.

  5. Use of Funds: Funds collected through APCs are used to cover various operational expenses, including:

    • Peer review management
    • Editorial and production processes
    • Technical maintenance of the journal’s online platform
    • Marketing and outreach to ensure the wide dissemination of published research
    • Compliance with open-access standards and best practices

By adhering to these funding practices, IJLS ensures that it remains a robust, independent, and accessible platform for high-quality language research. Our financial model supports the journal's mission to advance the field of language studies while maintaining transparency and integrity in our operations.

Privacy Statement:

At the International Journal of Language Studies (IJLS), safeguarding the privacy and confidentiality of our authors, reviewers, and readers is of utmost importance. We are committed to protecting personal data and ensuring that all information is handled with the highest standards of privacy and security. Below is an overview of our privacy practices:

  1. Data Collection and Use: IJLS collects personal information from authors, reviewers, and readers as part of the submission and review process. This information includes names, email addresses, institutional affiliations, and, in the case of reviewers, areas of expertise. This data is used solely for the purpose of managing the journal's operations, including:

    • Processing manuscript submissions and peer reviews
    • Communicating with authors, reviewers, and readers
    • Facilitating editorial decisions and publication processes

  2. Confidentiality: All personal data collected by IJLS is kept confidential and is not shared with third parties without explicit consent, except where required by law. We ensure that:

    • Authors' and reviewers' identities are protected throughout the peer review process
    • Manuscripts and related communications are handled securely to prevent unauthorized access

  3. Data Security: We implement robust security measures to protect personal data from unauthorized access, alteration, or disclosure. Our online submission and review systems use encryption and other security protocols to safeguard sensitive information. Regular security audits are conducted to ensure the integrity of our data protection practices.

  4. Access to Data: Access to personal data is restricted to authorized personnel who need it to perform their duties. This includes journal staff involved in the submission, review, and publication processes. All staff members are trained on privacy and data protection practices to ensure compliance with our privacy policy.

  5. Data Retention: Personal data is retained only for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes for which it was collected. After this period, data is securely deleted or anonymized in accordance with our data retention policies. Authors and reviewers are notified if their data is to be retained for extended periods due to specific requirements.

  6. User Rights: Individuals have the right to access their personal data, request corrections, or delete their information. Requests for data access or modification can be made by contacting IJLS directly via email. We will respond to such requests in a timely manner and take appropriate action to address any concerns.

  7. Updates to Privacy Statement: IJLS may update its privacy statement periodically to reflect changes in data protection laws or operational practices. Any changes will be communicated through our website, and continued use of our services constitutes acceptance of the updated privacy practices.

  8. Contact Information: For any questions or concerns regarding our privacy practices or to exercise your rights, please contact us at: editor@ijlangstudies.com

By adhering to these privacy practices, IJLS ensures that the personal information of our authors, reviewers, and readers is managed with the utmost care and respect, upholding the trust placed in us by our academic community.

Open Knowledge 

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