Journal of African Languages and Linguistics

Scope & Guideline

Championing Research in African Languages and Cultures

Introduction

Welcome to the Journal of African Languages and Linguistics 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 Journal of African Languages and Linguistics, 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
ISSN0167-6164
PublisherDE GRUYTER MOUTON
Support Open AccessNo
CountryGermany
TypeJournal
Convergefrom 1979 to 1989, from 1991 to 2024
AbbreviationJ AFR LANG LINGUIST / J. Afr. Lang. Linguist.
Frequency2 issues/year
Time To First Decision-
Time To Acceptance-
Acceptance Rate-
Home Page-
AddressGENTHINER STRASSE 13, 10785 BERLIN, GERMANY

Aims and Scopes

The Journal of African Languages and Linguistics focuses on the diverse linguistic aspects of African languages, promoting both theoretical and empirical research. It serves as a platform for scholars to explore various dimensions of language structure, evolution, and use within the African context.
  1. Linguistic Diversity and Typology:
    The journal emphasizes the rich linguistic diversity on the African continent, encouraging studies that engage with typological comparisons among languages across different families.
  2. Grammaticalization and Language Change:
    Research on grammaticalization processes and diachronic changes in African languages is a core focus, examining how languages evolve over time.
  3. Phonology and Prosody:
    The journal publishes works that explore phonological systems, tone, and prosodic features of African languages, highlighting their unique characteristics and functions.
  4. Morphosyntactic Structures:
    Investigations into the morphosyntactic properties of African languages, including noun classes, agreement systems, and clause structure, are central to the journal's offerings.
  5. Sociolinguistics and Pragmatics:
    The journal also addresses sociolinguistic factors affecting language use and variation, exploring how cultural contexts shape linguistic practices.
The journal reflects ongoing developments in the field of African linguistics, with several emerging themes gaining traction in recent years. This section outlines the key areas that are increasingly being explored.
  1. Diachronic Linguistics:
    There is a notable increase in research examining diachronic perspectives, particularly how languages change over time, as demonstrated by the growing number of studies on grammaticalization.
  2. Microvariation and Language Variation:
    Research on microvariation within language families, such as the subtle differences in usage and structure among closely related languages, is becoming more prominent.
  3. Embodiment in Language:
    The exploration of how physical experiences shape language and meaning, particularly in the context of feeling lexica, is emerging as a significant theme in the journal's recent publications.
  4. Cross-Categorial Studies:
    Recent works have shown a rising interest in cross-categorial classifications, particularly in how nouns and verbs interact within specific languages, indicating a trend towards more integrative linguistic analysis.

Declining or Waning

As the journal evolves, certain themes that were once prominent appear to be diminishing in frequency. This section highlights those areas that have seen reduced focus in recent publications.
  1. Historical Linguistics:
    While historical perspectives on African languages were previously more prevalent, recent issues show a decline in papers explicitly focused on reconstructing language histories or proto-languages.
  2. Language Documentation:
    The emphasis on documenting lesser-known languages has waned, with fewer studies dedicated solely to the documentation and preservation of endangered African languages.
  3. Comparative Linguistics:
    Comparative studies between African languages and non-African languages have become less common, indicating a shift towards more localized or specific investigations.

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