South African Journal of African Languages

Scope & Guideline

Pioneering research in the vibrant world of African linguistics.

Introduction

Immerse yourself in the scholarly insights of South African Journal of African Languages 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
ISSN0257-2117
PublisherROUTLEDGE JOURNALS, TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTD
Support Open AccessNo
CountryUnited Kingdom
TypeJournal
Convergefrom 1996 to 2024
AbbreviationS AFR J AFR LANG / S. Afr. J. Afr. Lang.
Frequency2 issues/year
Time To First Decision-
Time To Acceptance-
Acceptance Rate-
Home Page-
Address2-4 PARK SQUARE, MILTON PARK, ABINGDON OX14 4RN, OXON, ENGLAND

Aims and Scopes

The South African Journal of African Languages focuses on the exploration, documentation, and analysis of African languages, with a particular emphasis on the languages of South Africa. It aims to promote understanding and appreciation of linguistic diversity, cultural identity, and the role of language in society.
  1. Language Documentation and Analysis:
    The journal publishes research that documents and analyzes various African languages, including their grammatical structures, phonetics, and sociolinguistic contexts.
  2. Language and Education:
    It explores the intersection of language and education, particularly how African languages are utilized in educational contexts and the implications for language policy and literacy.
  3. Cultural and Societal Implications of Language:
    The journal examines how language shapes cultural identity and social dynamics, focusing on issues such as language rights, language attitudes, and the role of language in community engagement.
  4. Translation and Interpretation Studies:
    Research on translation practices, challenges, and methodologies in the context of African languages is a core component, emphasizing the importance of accurate representation in multilingual societies.
  5. Linguistic Innovation and Change:
    The journal highlights studies on linguistic innovation, including code-switching, language contact phenomena, and the evolution of language in contemporary settings.
Recent publications indicate a shift towards several emerging themes that reflect current societal issues, technological advancements, and evolving linguistic practices.
  1. Language Rights and Policy:
    There is an increasing focus on language rights, including the evaluation of language policies and their impacts on communities, particularly marginalized language groups in South Africa.
  2. Digital Linguistics and Technology:
    Research exploring the intersection of language and technology, including the use of AI in language development and digital communication, is gaining traction.
  3. Sociolinguistic Perspectives on Identity:
    Emerging themes explore how language interacts with identity, particularly in relation to immigration, gender, and socio-political contexts, reflecting ongoing societal changes.
  4. Indigenous Knowledge and Language:
    An emphasis on the role of indigenous languages in conveying cultural knowledge and practices is on the rise, highlighting the importance of language preservation.
  5. Language in Popular Culture:
    There is a growing interest in how African languages are represented and used in popular culture, including music and media, reflecting broader social trends.

Declining or Waning

As the journal evolves, certain themes have become less prominent in recent publications. This may indicate a shift in research focus or a saturation of certain topics.
  1. Historical Linguistics:
    Research focusing on the historical development of African languages is less frequently published, suggesting a possible shift towards more contemporary linguistic studies.
  2. Linguistic Theory Application:
    There appears to be a decline in papers applying traditional linguistic theories to African languages, indicating a move towards more applied and practical linguistic research.
  3. Comparative Linguistics:
    Studies that compare African languages with non-African languages have decreased, possibly reflecting a growing emphasis on internal language dynamics rather than cross-linguistic comparisons.

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