International Journal of the Sociology of Language

Scope & Guideline

Illuminating the Sociological Dimensions of Linguistic Practices

Introduction

Delve into the academic richness of International Journal of the Sociology of Language with our guidelines, detailing its aims and scope. Our resource identifies emerging and trending topics paving the way for new academic progress. We also provide insights into declining or waning topics, helping you stay informed about changing research landscapes. Evaluate highly cited topics and recent publications within these guidelines to align your work with influential scholarly trends.
LanguageMulti-Language
ISSN0165-2516
PublisherWALTER DE GRUYTER GMBH
Support Open AccessNo
CountryGermany
TypeJournal
Convergefrom 1974 to 2024
AbbreviationINT J SOCIOL LANG / Int. J. Sociol. Lang.
Frequency6 issues/year
Time To First Decision-
Time To Acceptance-
Acceptance Rate-
Home Page-
AddressGENTHINER STRASSE 13, D-10785 BERLIN, GERMANY

Aims and Scopes

The International Journal of the Sociology of Language aims to explore the intricate relationships between language and society, emphasizing how linguistic practices shape and are shaped by social structures, identities, and power dynamics. The journal's core areas include sociolinguistics, language policy, and the socio-cultural dimensions of language use.
  1. Sociolinguistic Analysis:
    The journal focuses on the sociolinguistic dimensions of language, examining how language varies and changes in different social contexts, including factors such as class, race, gender, and identity.
  2. Language and Identity:
    A significant emphasis is placed on the intersection of language and identity, exploring how language practices contribute to the construction of personal and group identities across various cultural and social settings.
  3. Language Policy and Planning:
    The journal investigates language policies and their implications for multilingual societies, looking at how language ideologies affect educational settings, migration, and community engagement.
  4. Discourse Analysis:
    Research published in the journal often employs discourse analysis to understand how language functions in social interactions, media, and institutional contexts, revealing the underlying ideologies and power relations.
  5. Cultural and Historical Contexts:
    The journal emphasizes the importance of historical and cultural contexts in understanding language use, particularly in postcolonial and diasporic situations, thereby contributing to a more nuanced understanding of global linguistic practices.
Recent publications in the journal indicate a shift towards emerging themes that reflect current global sociolinguistic challenges and evolving scholarly interests. These trends highlight the journal's responsiveness to contemporary issues.
  1. Raciolinguistics and Language Justice:
    There is a notable increase in research focusing on raciolinguistics, examining how race and language intersect to shape social inequalities and advocating for linguistic justice in various contexts.
  2. Mobile and Transnational Identities:
    Emerging themes around mobile and transnational identities reflect the realities of globalization, migration, and diaspora, emphasizing the fluidity of identity and language in contemporary society.
  3. Digital Communication and Language:
    The impact of digital communication on language practices is increasingly highlighted, with studies exploring how social media and online interactions reshape language use and identity construction.
  4. Language and Mental Health:
    Recent works are exploring the connections between language and mental health, particularly in relation to marginalized communities, indicating a growing awareness of the psychological dimensions of language use.
  5. Interdisciplinary Approaches to Language:
    There is a trend towards interdisciplinary research that incorporates insights from fields such as anthropology, psychology, and political science, enriching the sociolinguistic discourse with diverse perspectives.

Declining or Waning

While the journal has consistently focused on various sociolinguistic themes, certain areas have seen a decline in prominence over recent years. This shift may reflect broader changes in research interests and societal contexts.
  1. Traditional Language Maintenance Studies:
    Research that primarily focuses on traditional language maintenance without considering the socio-political implications has become less frequent, as scholars increasingly incorporate critical perspectives on language use in diverse contexts.
  2. Static Language Ideologies:
    The exploration of static or monolithic views of language ideologies appears to be waning, with a growing preference for dynamic and intersectional approaches that account for the complexities of linguistic practices in contemporary societies.
  3. Narrowly Defined Linguistic Communities:
    Studies focusing exclusively on narrowly defined linguistic communities without considering broader social, political, or economic factors are becoming less prevalent, as interdisciplinary approaches gain traction.

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