First Language

Scope & Guideline

Advancing Knowledge in Language and Education

Introduction

Welcome to your portal for understanding First Language, featuring guidelines for its aims and scope. Our guidelines cover trending and emerging topics, identifying the forefront of research. Additionally, we track declining topics, offering insights into areas experiencing reduced scholarly attention. Key highlights include highly cited topics and recently published papers, curated within these guidelines to assist you in navigating influential academic dialogues.
LanguageEnglish
ISSN0142-7237
PublisherSAGE PUBLICATIONS LTD
Support Open AccessNo
CountryUnited Kingdom
TypeJournal
Convergefrom 1980 to 1984, from 1986 to 2024
AbbreviationFIRST LANG / First Lang.
Frequency6 issues/year
Time To First Decision-
Time To Acceptance-
Acceptance Rate-
Home Page-
Address1 OLIVERS YARD, 55 CITY ROAD, LONDON EC1Y 1SP, ENGLAND

Aims and Scopes

The journal 'First Language' is dedicated to advancing the understanding of language acquisition and development in children. It emphasizes empirical research and theoretical discussions that address the complexities of language learning across diverse linguistic, cultural, and social contexts.
  1. Child Language Acquisition:
    The journal primarily focuses on how children acquire language, including the mechanisms, stages, and factors influencing language development.
  2. Bilingualism and Multilingualism:
    Research on bilingual and multilingual language acquisition is a significant area, exploring how multiple languages affect cognitive and linguistic development in children.
  3. Language Disorders and Interventions:
    The journal publishes studies on language disorders, their impact on development, and interventions aimed at supporting children with language difficulties.
  4. Cross-Linguistic Studies:
    A unique aspect of the journal is its emphasis on cross-linguistic studies that examine language acquisition across different languages and cultures, providing insights into universal and language-specific patterns.
  5. Cognitive and Social Influences on Language:
    Research that investigates the role of cognitive processes and social interactions in language acquisition is also a core focus, highlighting the interplay between language and other developmental domains.
The journal has been increasingly publishing research on several emerging themes that reflect contemporary issues and advancements in the field of language acquisition. These trends are indicative of the evolving landscape of child language research.
  1. Impact of Socioeconomic Status on Language Development:
    Recent publications have highlighted how socioeconomic factors influence language acquisition, emphasizing the need for research that considers the broader social context of child development.
  2. Technological and Digital Influences:
    There is a growing interest in how technology, such as digital media and e-books, affects language learning and parent-child interactions, reflecting the changing landscape of children's learning environments.
  3. Pragmatic Language Skills:
    Emerging studies are increasingly focusing on pragmatic language skills in children, exploring how social communication and the use of language in context develop alongside grammatical proficiency.
  4. Cultural and Linguistic Diversity in Language Acquisition:
    Research on the effects of cultural and linguistic diversity on language learning is gaining traction, highlighting the importance of understanding language acquisition in varied sociolinguistic contexts.
  5. Interdisciplinary Approaches:
    There is a notable trend towards interdisciplinary research that combines insights from psychology, cognitive science, and education to address language acquisition, reflecting a holistic view of child development.

Declining or Waning

While the journal maintains a robust focus on various aspects of language acquisition, certain themes have shown a decline in prominence in recent years. This may reflect changing research priorities or emerging interests in other areas.
  1. Traditional Syntax and Grammar Studies:
    There appears to be a waning interest in studies that focus solely on traditional syntax and grammar rules in isolation, as the field shifts towards more integrative approaches that consider social and cognitive factors.
  2. Adult Language Acquisition:
    Research focusing on language acquisition in adults, once a more common theme, is now less frequently addressed within the journal, possibly due to the increasing focus on early childhood development.
  3. Phonology and Phonetics in Child Language:
    While still relevant, studies specifically targeting phonological and phonetic aspects of child language have decreased, indicating a potential shift towards more holistic approaches that integrate phonological development with other linguistic domains.

Similar Journals

Language Acquisition

Unraveling the complexities of how we learn language.
Publisher: ROUTLEDGE JOURNALS, TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTDISSN: 1048-9223Frequency: 4 issues/year

Language Acquisition, published by ROUTLEDGE JOURNALS, TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTD, is a leading academic journal dedicated to the interdisciplinary study of language development and acquisition. With an ISSN of 1048-9223 and E-ISSN 1532-7817, this peer-reviewed journal caters to professionals, researchers, and graduate students in the fields of linguistics and educational psychology. The journal boasts an impressive 2023 Scopus ranking of Q1 in Linguistics and Language and Q2 in Education, reflecting its high impact and relevance within academic circles. Notably, it is indexed among the top 15% of journals in Language and Linguistics, showcasing its significance in contributing knowledge to these vibrant fields. Although currently not open access, Language Acquisition makes a profound impact on understanding how individuals acquire language, facilitating discussions on pedagogical strategies, cognitive development, and sociolinguistic factors. The journal's historical and ongoing contributions since its inception in 1990 reinforce its position as a vital resource for advancing research and theory related to language acquisition.

Language Learning Journal

Elevating research standards in linguistics and education.
Publisher: ROUTLEDGE JOURNALS, TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTDISSN: 0957-1736Frequency: 4 issues/year

Welcome to the Language Learning Journal, a premier resource for researchers, educators, and linguists alike, published by Routledge Journals, Taylor & Francis Ltd. With a proud history dating back to 1990 and commitment to advancing the exploration of language acquisition, this esteemed journal boasts an impressive impact factor within Q1 rankings across both the Education and Linguistics and Language categories. Ranked #40 in Language and Linguistics and achieving a 96th percentile in the Arts and Humanities, the journal serves as a crucial platform for disseminating cutting-edge research, innovative methodologies, and impactful discussions in the field of language learning. Although currently not offered as an open access publication, the depth and quality of content ensure significant contributions to the body of knowledge for professionals and scholars. With its global reach, the Language Learning Journal is dedicated to fostering the development and understanding of language learning processes, enabling readers to stay informed about the latest trends and findings through rigorous peer-reviewed articles.

Latin American Journal of Content & Language Integrated-LACLIL

Fostering Language Mastery Through Integrated Learning
Publisher: UNIV SABANA, FAC ENFERMARIAISSN: 2011-6721Frequency: 2 issues/year

The Latin American Journal of Content & Language Integrated-LACLIL, published by UNIV SABANA, FAC ENFERMARIA, is a pioneering open-access journal that has been serving the academic community since 2008. With an aim to foster the integration of content and language learning, LACLIL is a crucial resource for researchers, educators, and students interested in the intersection of linguistics, education, and bilingualism within the Latin American context. By promoting high-quality scholarly articles, this journal not only enhances understanding and practice in Content and Language Integrated Learning (CLIL) but also contributes to the discourse surrounding effective teaching methodologies. LACLIL encourages contributions that deepen insights into pedagogical strategies and curricular development, making it an essential platform for professionals dedicated to advancing language education in diverse cultural settings.

International Journal of Chinese Linguistics

Pioneering Studies in Chinese Linguistics
Publisher: JOHN BENJAMINS PUBLISHING COISSN: 2213-8706Frequency: 2 issues/year

International Journal of Chinese Linguistics is a distinguished publication that delves into various aspects of linguistic studies pertaining to the Chinese language. Published by John Benjamins Publishing Co, this journal stands out for its commitment to advancing the knowledge and understanding of Chinese linguistics within the global academic community. With an impact factor that places it in the Q2 quartile of linguistics and language, the journal is indexed in prominent databases, achieving ranks of #501 in Arts and Humanities and #580 in Social Sciences. These rankings reflect the journal's dedication to maintaining high scholarly standards and its relevance in both linguistic research and practical applications. While not categorized as Open Access, the journal provides necessary access through institutional subscriptions, thereby ensuring that valuable research reaches a broad audience. Covering a wide range of topics from syntax and phonetics to sociolinguistics and applied linguistics, the International Journal of Chinese Linguistics serves as an essential resource for researchers, professionals, and students seeking to deepen their understanding of the intricate relationship between language and culture in the Chinese context. With converging years from 2019 to 2024, it continues to evolve, reflecting ongoing developments in the field.

Bilingualism-Language and Cognition

Exploring the Intersection of Language and Mind
Publisher: CAMBRIDGE UNIV PRESSISSN: 1366-7289Frequency: 5 issues/year

Bilingualism-Language and Cognition, published by Cambridge University Press, is a leading journal in the fields of Education and Linguistics, renowned for its rigorous academic contributions and influential research. With an impressive impact factor placing it in the Q1 quartile of both fields, this journal ranks among the top-tier publications globally, reflecting its commitment to advancing the understanding of bilingualism and its cognitive implications. Since its inception in 2005, Bilingualism-Language and Cognition has garnered significant attention, evidenced by its remarkable Scopus rankings—11th in Language and Linguistics and 12th in Social Sciences. Dedicated to publishing high-quality original research, reviews, and integrative studies, the journal aims to foster interdisciplinary dialogue among researchers, educators, and practitioners. Although not currently an open access journal, it remains a vital resource for those engaged in bilingualism research and its cognitive dimensions, contributing to the academic landscape from its home in Cambridge, United Kingdom.

Lingue e Linguaggio

Navigating the Complexities of Linguistic Phenomena
Publisher: SOC ED IL MULINOISSN: 1720-9331Frequency: 2 issues/year

Lingue e Linguaggio, published by SOC ED IL MULINO, is a distinguished academic journal in the field of Linguistics and Language, hailing from Bologna, Italy. With an esteemed Q2 ranking in its category as of 2023, this journal is recognized for its contributions to both the arts and humanities as well as social sciences, achieving notable positions within Scopus rankings. It serves as a vital platform for researchers, practitioners, and students interested in exploring various linguistic phenomena, language dynamics, and theoretical frameworks. Although it operates under a traditional subscription model rather than open access, its comprehensive array of studies and publications provides significant insights and fosters academic discourse. With a publication period extending from 2002 to 2024, Lingue e Linguaggio continues to be a key resource for advancing the understanding of language in contemporary contexts.

ITL-International Journal of Applied Linguistics

Elevating academic dialogue in the realm of applied linguistics.
Publisher: JOHN BENJAMINS PUBLISHING COISSN: 0019-0829Frequency: 2 issues/year

ITL-International Journal of Applied Linguistics, published by JOHN BENJAMINS PUBLISHING CO in Belgium, stands as a leading journal in the field of applied linguistics and education, recognized for its rigorous scholarship and impactful contributions. With an impressive ranking of Q1 in both the Education and Linguistics and Language categories, ITL holds its place among the top journals globally, featuring in the Scopus rankings with a notable 91st percentile in both Arts and Humanities as well as Social Sciences. The journal aims to disseminate innovative research exploring the intersection of linguistics, language acquisition, and pedagogical practices, fostering a rich academic dialogue among researchers, educators, and practitioners. Though not currently an open access journal, ITL remains accessible to a broad readership, with an emphasis on high-quality, peer-reviewed articles that inform and inspire advancements in applied linguistics. The journal's commitment to academic excellence and relevance makes it an essential resource for those seeking to understand and contribute to the dynamic landscape of language studies.

JOURNAL OF CHILD LANGUAGE

Illuminating the Pathways of Language Learning in Children
Publisher: CAMBRIDGE UNIV PRESSISSN: 0305-0009Frequency: 6 issues/year

JOURNAL OF CHILD LANGUAGE, published by Cambridge University Press, is a premier scholarly journal dedicated to the exploration and examination of language development in children. Since its inception in 1974, the journal has become an authoritative source in the fields of Developmental and Educational Psychology, Experimental and Cognitive Psychology, and Linguistics, boasting significant impact as evidenced by its ranking in the top quartiles across these domains. With an impressive impact factor and a commitment to advancing research, the journal serves as a vital platform for researchers, educators, and practitioners interested in the intricacies of language acquisition and cognitive development in children. The 2023 Category Quartiles place it in Q1 for Linguistics and Language, further establishing its excellence. Fostering a rich intellectual community, the journal invites contributions that advance our understanding of child language, promising a broad readership in both the social sciences and humanities.

Heritage Language Journal

Preserving Voices, Celebrating Cultures
Publisher: BRILLISSN: 1550-7076Frequency: 2 issues/year

The Heritage Language Journal is an esteemed publication dedicated to the field of heritage language studies, providing a platform for advanced research and discussions surrounding bilingualism, language maintenance, and cultural identity. Published by BRILL, a recognized leader in academic publishing, this journal aims to bridge the gap between theory and practice, offering insightful articles, empirical studies, and critical reviews that advance understanding of how heritage languages influence personal and community identity. With an ISSN of 1550-7076, the journal serves as an essential resource for researchers, professionals, and students engaged in linguistics, sociolinguistics, and multicultural studies. Although currently not an open-access journal, it maintains rigorous academic standards and is committed to fostering an inclusive dialogue on heritage languages worldwide. Additionally, by contributing to the ongoing discourse in this vital area of study, the Heritage Language Journal plays a significant role in preserving linguistic diversity and cultural heritage.

APPLIED PSYCHOLINGUISTICS

Illuminating the Pathways of Language Acquisition
Publisher: CAMBRIDGE UNIV PRESSISSN: 0142-7164Frequency: 6 issues/year

Applied Psycholinguistics, published by Cambridge University Press, is a premier journal in the fields of linguistics, psychology, and cognitive science, with a focus on the intersection of language and psychological processes. Since its inception in 1980, the journal has consistently provided a platform for high-quality research, achieving impressive rankings in various categories as of 2023, including Q1 status in Linguistics and Language, and Q1 in Psychology (miscellaneous). With a focus on experimental and cognitive psychology, it fosters the exploration of language acquisition, social communication, and cognitive mechanisms underlying language use. Although it is not available as an Open Access journal, its rigorous peer-review process and impactful articles make it a significant resource for researchers, professionals, and students alike. The journal's commitment to advancing knowledge is evident through its contributions to both theoretical and applied psycholinguistic research. Whether you're a seasoned researcher or a student eager to delve into psycholinguistics, this journal serves as an essential resource for keeping abreast of cutting-edge developments in the discipline.