Journal of Second Language Studies

Scope & Guideline

Unraveling the Complexities of Language Learning and Teaching

Introduction

Immerse yourself in the scholarly insights of Journal of Second Language Studies with our comprehensive guidelines detailing its aims and scope. This page is your resource for understanding the journal's thematic priorities. Stay abreast of trending topics currently drawing significant attention and explore declining topics for a full picture of evolving interests. Our selection of highly cited topics and recent high-impact papers is curated within these guidelines to enhance your research impact.
LanguageEnglish
ISSN2542-3835
PublisherJOHN BENJAMINS PUBLISHING CO
Support Open AccessNo
CountryNetherlands
TypeJournal
Convergefrom 2018 to 2024
AbbreviationJ SECOND LANG STUD / J. Second Lang. Stud.
Frequency2 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 of Second Language Studies aims to advance the understanding of second language acquisition, processing, and pedagogy through rigorous research and innovative methodologies. It encompasses a wide range of topics within the field, focusing on both theoretical frameworks and practical implications for language learning and teaching.
  1. Second Language Acquisition (SLA) Research:
    The journal publishes studies that explore the processes and factors involved in acquiring a second language, including cognitive, social, and contextual influences.
  2. Language Processing and Production:
    Research on how second language learners process and produce language in real-time, including studies on fluency, comprehension, and the cognitive mechanisms underlying these processes.
  3. Pedagogical Methods and Interventions:
    Studies investigating the effectiveness of various teaching methods and interventions in second language education, including task-based learning, feedback mechanisms, and strategy instruction.
  4. Cross-Linguistic Influence:
    Exploration of how learners' first languages affect their acquisition and use of a second language, including studies on transfer effects and interlanguage development.
  5. Language Assessment and Evaluation:
    Research focused on methodologies for assessing language proficiency and the effectiveness of language learning interventions, utilizing both traditional and innovative assessment techniques.
  6. Sociolinguistics and Language Identity:
    Investigations into the social dimensions of language learning, including identity formation, agency, and the role of culture in second language acquisition.
Recent publications in the Journal of Second Language Studies reveal emerging themes that reflect contemporary challenges and advancements in the field. These themes highlight the evolving landscape of second language research and its relevance to current educational practices.
  1. Technology-Enhanced Language Learning:
    There is a growing interest in how technology, such as apps and online platforms like Duolingo, affects second language acquisition and learner engagement, reflecting the increasing integration of digital tools in language education.
  2. Plurilingualism and Multilingual Education:
    Research on cultivating plurilingual identities among learners is on the rise, emphasizing the importance of recognizing and valuing multiple languages and cultures in the language learning process.
  3. Cognitive and Affective Factors in Language Learning:
    Studies focusing on the interplay between cognitive aspects (like working memory) and emotional factors (such as anxiety) in language learning are gaining traction, acknowledging the complex nature of language acquisition.
  4. Neuroscientific Approaches to Language Processing:
    Emerging research employing neuroscientific methods to understand language processing in second language learners indicates a trend towards interdisciplinary approaches that bridge linguistics and cognitive science.
  5. Contextualized Interactional Competence:
    There is an increasing focus on developing measures for interactional competence that take into account the contextual factors influencing communication, moving beyond traditional linguistic competence assessments.

Declining or Waning

While the Journal of Second Language Studies continues to cover a broad range of topics, certain themes have shown a decline in publication frequency. This waning focus may reflect changing research interests or shifts in the broader academic discourse around second language studies.
  1. Traditional Grammar Instruction:
    There appears to be a decreasing emphasis on studies solely focused on traditional grammar instruction methods, as contemporary research increasingly favors communicative and contextualized approaches to language teaching.
  2. Purely Theoretical Linguistic Models:
    Research that relies strictly on theoretical models without empirical validation seems to be less prevalent, suggesting a shift towards studies that emphasize practical applications and evidence-based practices.
  3. Static Views of Language Proficiency:
    The journal is moving away from static, one-dimensional assessments of language proficiency, indicating a trend towards dynamic, process-oriented views of language learning and development.

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