Wasafiri

Scope & Guideline

Challenging paradigms in the humanities since 1984.

Introduction

Welcome to the Wasafiri 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 Wasafiri, 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
ISSN0269-0055
PublisherROUTLEDGE JOURNALS, TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTD
Support Open AccessNo
CountryUnited Kingdom
TypeJournal
Convergefrom 1984 to 2024
AbbreviationWASAFIRI / Wasafiri
Frequency4 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

Wasafiri serves as a vibrant platform that explores the intersections of literature, culture, and identity, particularly in the context of postcolonial and diasporic narratives. The journal is dedicated to fostering critical conversations around diverse literary expressions and their implications on contemporary society.
  1. Postcolonial and Diasporic Literature:
    The journal emphasizes literature that addresses themes of postcolonialism and the experiences of diasporic communities, often highlighting voices that have been marginalized in mainstream literature.
  2. Cultural Critique and Identity:
    Wasafiri publishes works that critically examine cultural identities, representation, and the politics of belonging, fostering discussions on how cultural narratives shape individual and collective identities.
  3. Innovative Literary Forms:
    The journal showcases innovative literary forms and genres, including speculative fiction, poetry, and essayistic prose, encouraging authors to experiment with structure and style as a means of expression.
  4. Interdisciplinary Approaches:
    Wasafiri incorporates interdisciplinary methodologies, drawing from fields such as cultural studies, history, and sociology, to provide a comprehensive understanding of literary texts in their socio-political contexts.
  5. Feminist and Gender Perspectives:
    The journal consistently features feminist and gender-focused critiques, exploring how gender dynamics influence literary production and representation across cultures.
Recent publications in Wasafiri indicate several trending and emerging themes that reflect the evolving landscape of literature and cultural discourse. These themes signal important shifts in focus and the growing relevance of certain topics.
  1. Speculative and Futuristic Narratives:
    There is a significant increase in works exploring speculative fiction and futurism, reflecting a growing interest in how literature can envision alternative futures and challenge existing realities.
  2. Climate Fiction and Environmental Themes:
    Emerging discussions around climate fiction and environmental justice are becoming prominent, as authors engage with ecological concerns and the socio-political implications of climate change.
  3. Decolonial and Anti-Colonial Narratives:
    A trend towards decolonial and anti-colonial discourse is evident, with authors critically examining colonial legacies and advocating for narratives that dismantle oppressive structures.
  4. Intersectionality and Identity Politics:
    The journal is increasingly embracing intersectional analyses, focusing on how various aspects of identity—such as race, gender, and sexuality—intersect and influence literary expression.
  5. Collaborative and Collective Writing Practices:
    There is a notable rise in publications that highlight collaborative and collective writing practices, showcasing how communal narratives can challenge individualistic perspectives and enrich the literary landscape.

Declining or Waning

While Wasafiri maintains a robust engagement with various literary and cultural themes, certain topics appear to be waning in prominence over recent years. This decline may reflect changing societal concerns or shifts in the academic landscape.
  1. Traditional Literary Criticism:
    There is a noticeable decline in articles employing traditional literary criticism methods, as the journal increasingly favors innovative and interdisciplinary approaches that challenge conventional paradigms.
  2. Historical Narratives:
    The focus on historical narratives that do not engage with contemporary issues seems to be less prevalent, indicating a shift towards literature that addresses current socio-political contexts and futures.
  3. Eurocentric Perspectives:
    Contributions centered on Eurocentric literary traditions and perspectives are becoming less common, as Wasafiri prioritizes diverse and global voices that reflect a more inclusive literary landscape.
  4. Static Cultural Representations:
    There is a decreasing emphasis on static representations of culture and identity, with a move towards dynamic explorations that consider the fluidity of identity in a globalized world.
  5. Conventional Genre Boundaries:
    The journal appears to be moving away from strictly defined genre boundaries, with fewer works adhering to traditional genre conventions, favoring instead hybrid and experimental forms.

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