Functions of Language

Scope & Guideline

Exploring the Multifaceted Roles of Language

Introduction

Welcome to the Functions of Language information hub, where our guidelines provide a wealth of knowledge about the journal’s focus and academic contributions. This page includes an extensive look at the aims and scope of Functions of Language, highlighting trending and emerging areas of study. We also examine declining topics to offer insight into academic interest shifts. Our curated list of highly cited topics and recent publications is part of our effort to guide scholars, using these guidelines to stay ahead in their research endeavors.
LanguageEnglish
ISSN0929-998x
PublisherJOHN BENJAMINS PUBLISHING CO
Support Open AccessNo
CountryNetherlands
TypeJournal
Convergefrom 1994 to 2024
AbbreviationFUNCT LANG / Funct. Lang.
Frequency3 issues/year
Time To First Decision-
Time To Acceptance-
Acceptance Rate-
Home Page-
AddressPO BOX 36224, 1020 ME AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS

Aims and Scopes

The journal 'Functions of Language' focuses on the intricate relationship between language structure and its functional uses in various contexts. It emphasizes the application of systemic functional linguistics and related frameworks to explore how language operates in communication, interaction, and cognition. The journal aims to address both theoretical and practical aspects of language functioning across different languages and modalities.
  1. Systemic Functional Linguistics (SFL):
    The journal extensively covers research related to systemic functional linguistics, analyzing how language structures serve specific communicative functions in varied contexts.
  2. Cross-linguistic and Multilingual Studies:
    It explores linguistic phenomena across different languages, highlighting comparative studies that reveal universal patterns and language-specific features.
  3. Pragmatics and Discourse Analysis:
    The journal emphasizes pragmatic aspects of language, examining how contextual factors shape meaning and interaction in discourse.
  4. Multimodal Communication:
    Research on multimodal aspects of communication, integrating visual, auditory, and textual modes, is a key focus, reflecting the complexity of real-life communication.
  5. Cognitive Approaches to Language:
    The journal incorporates cognitive perspectives, investigating how language relates to thought processes and embodied cognition.
  6. Language Acquisition and Development:
    Studies on language acquisition, particularly in multilingual contexts and among young learners, are frequently published, showcasing developmental aspects of language use.
  7. Historical and Diachronic Linguistics:
    It includes research that examines historical changes in language use and structure, providing insights into the evolution of linguistic forms and functions.
The journal 'Functions of Language' has seen a rise in several emerging themes that reflect contemporary issues in language studies. These trends indicate a growing interest in interdisciplinary approaches and innovative methodologies.
  1. Evidentiality and Modalities:
    Recent publications show a significant increase in studies focusing on evidentiality and the function of modal expressions, highlighting their role in constructing meaning and conveying speaker attitudes.
  2. Multimodal Pragmatics:
    There is a growing emphasis on multimodal pragmatics, exploring how different modes of communication (e.g., visual, auditory) interact to shape discourse and understanding.
  3. Cognitive Linguistics:
    Research integrating cognitive theories with linguistic analysis is on the rise, reflecting an interest in how language shapes and is shaped by cognitive processes.
  4. Discourse Markers and Their Functions:
    A notable trend is the exploration of discourse markers, their functions, and their role in structuring conversation and text, revealing insights into conversational dynamics.
  5. Contextualization in Language Use:
    Emerging studies focus on the role of context in language use, particularly in computer-mediated communication, demonstrating the relevance of situational factors in linguistic analysis.
  6. Language and Social Semiotics:
    There is an increasing interest in the intersection of language and social semiotics, examining how linguistic choices reflect and construct social meanings and ideologies.

Declining or Waning

While 'Functions of Language' has maintained a robust focus on certain themes, some areas of interest appear to be declining in prominence. This may reflect shifts in research priorities or the maturation of specific fields within language studies.
  1. Traditional Syntax:
    Research focusing on traditional syntactic structures and rules has become less frequent, as the journal increasingly favors functional and pragmatic analyses over purely syntactic ones.
  2. Static Models of Language:
    There is a noticeable decrease in the publication of studies employing static models of language that do not account for the dynamic and contextual nature of language use.
  3. Isolated Language Features:
    Papers that analyze isolated features of language without situating them in broader communicative or functional contexts are becoming less common, as the journal shifts towards integrative approaches.
  4. Descriptive Linguistics without Functional Analysis:
    There appears to be a waning interest in purely descriptive linguistic studies that do not engage with functional or pragmatic implications, reflecting a shift towards more applied research.

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