Journal for Distinguished Language Studies
The purpose of The Journal of Distinguished Language Studies is to create a robust international movement to promote and support language learning to the near-native level of proficiency. The editors seek contributions in the areas of theory, research, and applications. The journal typically has published a balance of articles in all three categories. Published papers will thus develop theory, share applications that work (based on the experience of those who teach that level), report on the research conducted and needed for proper evaluation and assessment of theory and application, and share references.
We particularly welcome articles on the following areas:
- current status of Level 4 proficiency research in each of the four skill areas;
- teaching methods to, at, or above Level 4 proficiency in each of the four skill areas;
- the role of culture in achieving Level 4 proficiency in each of the four skill areas;
- assessment to, at, or above Level 4 proficiency in each of the four skill areas; and
- book reviews.
Submissions should represent original work, should not have been previously published elsewhere nor be currently submitted to another journal or collected volume, and should follow this process:
1. Potential contributors may submit articles of 5,000–8,000 words as a Word document any time. Include the paper title (10 words max.), an abstract (200–250 words max.), your affiliation, and one copy of your article that has been anonymized (omitting the name and institutional affiliation of the author at the beginning of the article). Articles that have been anonymized will be sent to reviewers.
2. Use the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association (7th ed.).
3. Because journal articles are now English only, please ensure that a native speaker or proficient writer proofreads prior to submission so peer review can focus on content. The editors reserve the right to return, without review, any articles that are not clear, accurate, or concise (i.e., Level 4 writing proficiency).
4. Articles are accepted on a rolling basis. Those received, reviewed, revised if needed, and accepted at least six months in advance will be in the best position for publication in the next issue (anticipated for December 2024); otherwise, they may be selected for inclusion in a subsequent issue.
5. Potential authors can contact the editors in advance with any questions. Please email Yalun Zhou and copy Donna Bain Butler.