Submissions

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Submission Guidelines

Manuscript Submission

Manuscripts considered for publication will be double blind reviewed for their presentation and analysis of new empirical data using appropriate research methods, development of theories relevant to language learning and teaching, development or refinement of language learning pedagogies, and discussion papers relevant to teachers and learners of languages at all levels.

Regular articles are expected to be 6000-8000 words in length (excluding references and appendixes) and are expected to include original research based on solid methodology and sufficient background research. Academic discussion on topics that may or may not include empirical data, but still include sufficient understanding of relevant research. These short articles may be between 4000-6000 words in length.

Consider titles that are not too informal or that narrow the focus too much (only include a specific country in the title if you feel that is has a crucial impact on the study), and ensure the writing is clear throughout. Proofread manuscripts thoroughly before submission, as large amounts of grammatical errors can make it difficult for reviewers to read the manuscript which may have a detrimental effect on their evaluation of your research.

Book Reviews

The Australian Journal of Applied Linguistics publishes reviews of books in the scope of applied linguistics and language education. Generally, unsolicited book reviews are not accepted for publication in AJAL, but if you would like to contribute to the Book Reviews section, you should first contact the Book Reviews Editor, Hassan Mohebbi (hassan.mohebbi973@gmail.com), prior to writing and submitting. Book Reviews should not exceed 1700 words, including references (with a maximum four references). Book reviewers need to ensure that there are no conflicts of interest between publisher/authors and reviewer. What we look for is critical reviews, not simply a report of the content of the book. Only half of the manuscript should cover the book’s content, and the rest needs to be devoted to the critical evaluation of the book compared to the available titles in the market. Authors are advised to read the papers by Hartley and Sealey before starting to write their book review, as the framework and questions are the main criteria for our evaluation of book review submissions. Before online submission, the authors are advised to submit their manuscript to the editor for in-house review and editing. Having revised, the corresponding author may submit their manuscript to the journal submission system using the link on the right of this page.

Publication Frequency

The Australian Journal of Applied Linguistics publishes three issues per year. Accepted manuscripts are assigned to the soonest available issue and published as soon as the production process is completed.

Journal History

The Australian Journal of Applied Linguistics was originally published in 1999 at Griffith University, Australia, but publication was then halted for personal reasons by the Editor-in-Chief (more information is available in this editorial). The journal was recommenced in 2018, and it has gained international recognition since its new start, attracting authors from all over the world.

Formatting & Layout

Manuscripts must be submitted as a .docx document file. Any information identifying the authors should be removed from the primary manuscript document. Reference to work from the authors should be marked as "Author1, 20xx" or "Author2, 20xx" in the citations, and references should be included as "Author1. (20xx)." or "Author2. (20xx)." Please do not number subsections. Heading levels should be obvious by using the heading functions in MS Word or equivalent. Please do not try to emulate the formatting of the published articles. All references and citations must be in accordance with the APA 7th edition. Where possible, DOIs should be included as "https://doi.org/xxx.xxx" for all references.

Open Access Policy

This journal provides immediate open access to its content on the principle that making research freely available to the public supports a greater global exchange of knowledge. There are no article processing charges (APCs) for this journal. The open access statement is available from here.

Publication Ethics

Note that all submissions to this journal must be original work that has not been published or currently under review elsewhere. Manuscripts that have been published as pre-prints may be considered as being already published. All submissions are checked for plagiarism on submission by iThenticate. For information about the peer review process and publication ethics is available from here.

Forums

In this section, we invite authors to engage in thoughtful discussions that bridge theoretical insights with practical applications in language teaching and learning. Unlike empirical studies, which rely on data-driven evidence, our focus here lies in the depth of pedagogical strategies, classroom management, and learner motivation. Authors are encouraged to reflect on their teaching experiences, adapt strategies based on context, and share innovative approaches. While empirical data may not always be available, the richness of these conversations lies in the collective wisdom of language educators. Whether exploring flipped classrooms, formative assessment, or inclusive practices, authors contribute to a collaborative exploration of language education’s frontiers.

Privacy Statement

We are committed to protecting the privacy of our authors, reviewers, and readers. This privacy statement outlines how we collect, use, and safeguard personal information in accordance with applicable data protection laws.

Information We Collect

Personal Information from Authors and Reviewers: When submitting a manuscript or participating in the peer review process, we collect personal information such as names, affiliations, email addresses, and ORCID iDs. This information is necessary for manuscript processing, communication, and scholarly collaboration.

Usage Data from Readers: We collect anonymized usage data (e.g., IP addresses, browser type, pages visited) to improve our website, track article views, and understand reader preferences. This data helps us enhance user experience and tailor content.

How We Use Personal Information

Manuscript Processing: We use authors’ and reviewers’ personal information to manage manuscript submissions, peer review, and editorial processes. This includes communication regarding manuscript status, revisions, and decisions.

Communication: We communicate with authors, reviewers, and readers via email or other channels. We may send notifications, updates, and announcements related to the journal.

Analytics and Improvements: Usage data helps us analyze website performance, identify trends, and enhance content delivery. We use aggregated data to improve our services and tailor content to readers’ interests.

Data Security and Retention

Security Measures: We implement technical and organizational measures to protect personal information. Access to data is restricted to authorized personnel only.

Data Retention: We retain personal information for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this statement. Authors’ and reviewers’ data is retained for archival and scholarly purposes.

Third-Party Services

Service Providers: We may engage third-party service providers (e.g., hosting platforms, analytics tools) to support our operations. These providers adhere to privacy and security standards.

External Links: Our website may contain links to external sites. We are not responsible for their privacy practices.

Your Rights

Access and Correction: Authors, reviewers, and readers can request access to their personal information or update it. Contact our editorial office for assistance.

Withdrawal of Consent: Authors and reviewers can withdraw consent for data processing at any time. However, this may impact manuscript processing.