MLN

Scope & Guideline

Illuminating the Rich Tapestry of Language Studies

Introduction

Welcome to your portal for understanding MLN, 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
ISSN0026-7910
PublisherJOHNS HOPKINS UNIV PRESS
Support Open AccessNo
CountryUnited States
TypeJournal
Convergefrom 2002 to 2024
AbbreviationMLN / MLN
Frequency5 issues/year
Time To First Decision-
Time To Acceptance-
Acceptance Rate-
Home Page-
AddressJOURNALS PUBLISHING DIVISION, 2715 NORTH CHARLES ST, BALTIMORE, MD 21218-4363

Aims and Scopes

The journal MLN focuses on a diverse range of literary and cultural studies, emphasizing interdisciplinary approaches and critical methodologies. It encompasses various aspects of literature, film, and cultural theory, often examining the intersections of different artistic expressions and their socio-political contexts.
  1. Interdisciplinary Literary Analysis:
    MLN promotes interdisciplinary perspectives, integrating insights from philosophy, sociology, and cultural studies to analyze literary texts across different historical and geographical contexts.
  2. Cultural and Historical Contextualization:
    The journal emphasizes the importance of situating literary works within their specific cultural and historical contexts, exploring how these factors influence narrative forms and themes.
  3. Focus on Marginalized Voices:
    A significant aim of MLN is to highlight underrepresented voices and narratives, particularly those related to postcolonial, feminist, and queer studies, thereby expanding the canon of literary scholarship.
  4. Exploration of Genre and Form:
    The journal investigates various literary forms and genres, including poetry, drama, and narrative fiction, often analyzing how these forms interact with cultural movements and ideologies.
  5. Translation and Adaptation Studies:
    MLN includes studies on the processes of translation and adaptation, particularly how these practices affect the reception and interpretation of literary works across different cultures.
  6. Ecocriticism and Environmental Studies:
    An emerging focus on ecocriticism allows the journal to address the representation of nature and environmental issues within literature, fostering discussions around ecological sustainability.
The journal MLN has shown a keen responsiveness to contemporary cultural issues, leading to the emergence of several key themes in its recent publications. These trends reflect ongoing societal dialogues and shifts in academic interest.
  1. Digital Humanities and New Media:
    Recent issues have increasingly addressed the impact of digital humanities and new media on literature, exploring how technology shapes narrative forms and reader engagement.
  2. Globalization and Transnationalism:
    Emerging themes in globalization and transnational studies highlight the interconnectedness of literary cultures, examining how global movements influence local narratives and identities.
  3. Environmental Literature and Ecocriticism:
    A growing body of work focuses on ecocriticism and environmental literature, reflecting a heightened awareness of ecological issues and the role of literature in addressing climate change.
  4. Activist and Political Literature:
    The journal features a rising interest in literature as a form of activism, exploring how texts respond to current political issues, social justice movements, and the representation of marginalized communities.
  5. Intermediality and Adaptation:
    There is an increasing focus on intermediality, examining how literature interacts with other media forms such as film, visual arts, and digital platforms, thereby expanding the scope of literary analysis.
  6. Queer and Feminist Theories:
    Recent publications have shown a significant rise in queer and feminist literary theories, emphasizing the need to interrogate gender and sexuality in literary texts.

Declining or Waning

While MLN maintains a broad array of themes, certain areas of focus appear to be declining in prominence. These waning themes reflect shifts in scholarly interest and the evolving landscape of literary studies.
  1. Traditional Canonical Studies:
    There is a noticeable decline in papers focusing solely on traditional canonical texts, as the journal increasingly prioritizes diverse and contemporary voices over established literary canons.
  2. Purely Theoretical Discussions:
    Papers that delve into abstract theoretical discussions without concrete textual analysis seem to be less frequent, indicating a shift towards more applied and contextually grounded scholarship.
  3. Historical Literary Criticism:
    The journal has seen a decrease in contributions centered on historical literary criticism, particularly those that do not engage with contemporary issues or interdisciplinary approaches.
  4. Focus on National Literatures:
    There is a trend away from studies that solely concentrate on national literatures in isolation, as the journal embraces transnational and global perspectives.

Similar Journals

Litera-Journal of Language Literature and Culture Studies

Illuminating the Intersections of Culture and Expression
Publisher: ISTANBUL UNIV, FAC LETTERSISSN: 1304-0057Frequency: 2 issues/year

Litera - Journal of Language Literature and Culture Studies is a pioneering open-access journal published by the esteemed Istanbul University, Faculty of Letters, since 2017, dedicated to the in-depth exploration and critical analysis of language, literature, and cultural studies. With an ISSN of 1304-0057 and an E-ISSN of 2602-2117, the journal aims to foster a diverse discourse within the arts and humanities, particularly in literature and literary theory, linguistics, and cultural studies. Although it currently holds a modest Scopus rank among its peers, it serves as a valuable platform for emerging scholars and seasoned researchers alike, aiming to enhance understanding and appreciation of cultural narratives within the global context. The journal provides a unique opportunity for authors and readers to engage with original research, critical reviews, and creative works that are vital to the advancement of interdisciplinary studies. Based in Istanbul, Turkey, it is positioned at the heart of cultural exchange, making it a significant contributor to scholarly communication in the region and beyond.

MESTER

Elevating Voices in Cultural Studies and Linguistics
Publisher: UNIV CALIF LOS ANGELES, UCLA COLL, HUMANITIES DIVISIONISSN: 0160-2764Frequency: 1 issue/year

MESTER is a distinguished academic journal published by the UCLA College of Humanities, known for its commitment to advancing research in the fields of Cultural Studies, Linguistics and Language, and Literature and Literary Theory. With an ISSN of 0160-2764, this journal serves as a vital platform for scholars and professionals to disseminate innovative research and critical perspectives from diverse theoretical frameworks and cultural contexts. Although currently operating without an Open Access model, MESTER continues to uphold a rigorous peer-review process, ensuring that published articles maintain high academic standards. Recognized for its selective focus, MESTER holds a Q4 categorization in Cultural Studies and Linguistics, and Q3 in Literature and Literary Theory, situating it as a relevant, if emerging, voice within these disciplines. Housed within the significant repository of knowledge at UCLA, the journal beckons researchers, students, and practitioners to engage with its contributions to the humanities and build upon its foundations in cultural discourse.

ESTUDIOS FILOLOGICOS

Advancing the Frontiers of Linguistics and Literature
Publisher: UNIV AUSTRAL CHILEISSN: 0071-1713Frequency: 2 issues/year

ESTUDIOS FILOLOGICOS is a prestigious journal specialized in the fields of Linguistics and Literature, published by UNIV AUSTRAL CHILE. With an ISSN of 0071-1713 and an E-ISSN of 0717-6171, this journal serves as a vital platform for scholars, researchers, and students to disseminate their findings and foster academic discourse in philology and its related disciplines. Renowned for its rigorous peer-review process, ESTUDIOS FILOLOGICOS holds an impressive position with a Q2 ranking in Linguistics and Language and a Q1 ranking in Literature and Literary Theory as of 2023. Situated in Valdivia, Chile, and spanning from 2007 to 2023, this journal not only contributes significantly to the academic community but also engages with diverse voices in the humanities. By maintaining a balanced focus on high-quality research and accessible discourse, ESTUDIOS FILOLOGICOS continues to play an essential role in promoting scholarly information and engagement within the fields of language and literature.

NOTTINGHAM FRENCH STUDIES

Fostering Interdisciplinary Dialogue in French Studies
Publisher: EDINBURGH UNIV PRESSISSN: 0029-4586Frequency: 3 issues/year

NOTTINGHAM FRENCH STUDIES is a distinguished academic journal published by Edinburgh University Press, focusing on the diverse realms of French language, literature, culture, and history. With its ISSN 0029-4586 and E-ISSN 2047-7236, the journal serves as a vital platform for scholarly discourse, featuring interdisciplinary research that bridges gaps between Cultural Studies, Linguistics, and Literary Theory. Notable for its robust performance, it holds a Q3 ranking in Cultural Studies and Linguistics and a Q2 ranking in Literature and Literary Theory as of 2023, placing it among the key publications within its field. Throughout its publication span from 1996 to 2024, NOTTINGHAM FRENCH STUDIES has consistently catered to the academic community with insightful articles, enriching the understanding of French cultural contexts. While it is not an Open Access journal, its contributions are pivotal in advancing scholarly dialogue and fostering critical perspectives, making it an essential resource for researchers, professionals, and students engaged in French studies and its interdisciplinary connections.

GERMAN QUARTERLY

Fostering Dialogue in Literature and Performing Arts
Publisher: WILEYISSN: 0016-8831Frequency: 4 issues/year

GERMAN QUARTERLY, published by Wiley, is a distinguished academic journal that serves as a vital platform for scholarly discourse in the fields of Cultural Studies, Literature and Literary Theory, and Visual Arts and Performing Arts. With an ISSN of 0016-8831 and an E-ISSN of 1756-1183, this journal is committed to exploring the complexities of German literature and culture from a multi-faceted perspective. It stands out in its categories, ranking Q3 in Cultural Studies and Q2 in both Literature and Literary Theory and Visual Arts and Performing Arts, as of 2023. Its Scopus ranking highlights its relevance and contribution to ongoing dialogues within the arts and humanities, making it an essential read for researchers and professionals alike. Although not an open-access journal, GERMAN QUARTERLY maintains a rigorous peer-review process, ensuring that published works meet the highest standards of academic quality. With converged contributions from 2002 to 2024, it continues to provide valuable insights and foster a deeper understanding of German heritage and its impact on contemporary culture. The journal is an indispensable resource for students and researchers seeking to broaden their knowledge and engage with the latest scholarship in these vital areas of study.

RESEARCH IN AFRICAN LITERATURES

Engaging with the Heartbeat of African Cultures
Publisher: INDIANA UNIV PRESSISSN: 0034-5210Frequency: 4 issues/year

RESEARCH IN AFRICAN LITERATURES is a prestigious peer-reviewed journal published by Indiana University Press, dedicated to the critical exploration of African literary traditions, cultures, and texts. With an ISSN of 0034-5210 and an E-ISSN of 1527-2044, this journal stands out in the field of literature and literary theory, currently ranking in the 80th percentile of its category according to Scopus, making it a significant platform for scholars and researchers alike. Since its establishment, the journal has evolved through converged volumes from 2002 to 2024, consistently fostering innovative discourse and interdisciplinary approaches that illuminate the complexities of African narratives. Although it does not offer open access, the journal is integral for anyone engaged in African studies, providing critical insights that are essential for understanding the broader implications of literature within diverse cultural contexts. The journal's commitment to high standards of scholarship is reflected in its Q3 quartile ranking and its influential contribution to contemporary literary dialogue.

Journal of Literary Studies

Championing accessibility in literary scholarship.
Publisher: UNISA PRESSISSN: 0256-4718Frequency: 4 issues/year

Journal of Literary Studies, published by UNISA PRESS, is a premier open access journal dedicated to advancing the field of literature and literary theory. With its ISSN 0256-4718 and E-ISSN 1753-5387, the journal has established itself as a leading platform for innovative research since its inception in 1985, with a notable convergence period running through to 2024. Recognized in the Q1 quartile of literature and literary theory, the journal ranks impressively at #236 out of 1106 in its category according to Scopus, highlighting its impact in the arts and humanities with a percentile rank of 78th. The journal's open access model, adopted in 2022, reflects its commitment to accessibility and dissemination of knowledge globally, making it an essential resource for researchers, academics, and students alike. With an editorial focus on interdisciplinary approaches and contemporary critical discourse, the Journal of Literary Studies serves as a vital vessel for the exchange of ideas and scholarly dialogue in the intricate landscape of literary studies.

Wasafiri

Empowering researchers with cutting-edge literary theory.
Publisher: ROUTLEDGE JOURNALS, TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTDISSN: 0269-0055Frequency: 4 issues/year

Wasafiri, published by Routledge Journals, Taylor & Francis Ltd, stands as a pivotal platform in the fields of Cultural Studies and Literature and Literary Theory. With a proud publication history extending from 1984 to 2024, this esteemed journal delivers critical insights and cutting-edge research that explore the intersections of culture, literature, and global discourse. Renowned for its academic rigor, Wasafiri holds a Q3 ranking in both its categories as of 2023, showcasing its solid contributions to the scholarly community, reflected in its respectable Scopus rankings—evidencing its relevance and authority, particularly in the literature field. While available through subscription, the journal emphasizes the dissemination of diverse voices and innovative scholarship, appealing to researchers, professionals, and students eager to deepen their understanding of contemporary cultural narratives. Positioned in the United Kingdom, Wasafiri continues to foster vibrant dialogues that challenge conventional paradigms, making it an invaluable resource for anyone engaged in the humanities.

AMERICAN LITERARY HISTORY

Fostering Critical Engagement with Literary Texts
Publisher: OXFORD UNIV PRESS INCISSN: 0896-7148Frequency: 4 issues/year

AMERICAN LITERARY HISTORY, published by Oxford University Press Inc, is a leading peer-reviewed journal dedicated to advancing the understanding of American literature within the broader contexts of cultural studies and history. With an impressive impact factor reflecting its Q1 ranking in Cultural Studies, History, and Literature and Literary Theory, this journal serves as an essential resource for researchers, professionals, and students alike. Covering a wide range of topics, it seeks to illuminate the historical and cultural dynamics that shape literary production in the United States from 1989 to 2024. Although not an open access journal, AMERICAN LITERARY HISTORY remains a pivotal platform for scholarly discourse, encouraging rigorous scholarship and critical engagement with literary texts. The journal's strong Scopus rankings further emphasize its significance, ranked among the top journals in its field, making it an indispensable tool for anyone seeking to explore the rich tapestry of American literary heritage.

Jordan Journal of Modern Languages & Literature

Advancing Scholarship in Modern Language Studies
Publisher: YARMOUK UNIV, DEANSHIP RESEARCH & GRADUATE STUDIESISSN: 1994-6953Frequency: 4 issues/year

Jordan Journal of Modern Languages & Literature is a prestigious academic journal published by Yarmouk University, Deanship of Research & Graduate Studies. This journal serves as a vital platform for scholars and researchers in the fields of linguistics and literature, offering a well-rounded examination of modern languages and literary theory. With an impressive Q2 ranking in Linguistics and Language and a Q1 distinction in Literature and Literary Theory as of 2023, it consistently features high-quality research that contributes to the advancement of knowledge in these domains. The Scopus rankings further reflect its academic rigor, placing it in the 79th percentile for Literature and Literary Theory and maintaining significant influence in related fields, making it an essential resource for researchers, professionals, and students alike. Although it does not operate under an open-access model, the journal's commitment to publishing groundbreaking studies can significantly aid in the understanding and progression of modern linguistic and literary practices. The Jordan Journal of Modern Languages & Literature continues to be an influential voice in fostering scholarly dialogue and advancing research in the humanities.