Journal of Bricolage in Language Studies

Journal of Bricolage in Language Studies

Guide for Authors

GUIDE FOR AUTHORS

Journal of Bricolage in Language Studies (JBLS)

This guide provides comprehensive information for authors wishing to submit manuscripts to the Journal of Bricolage in Language Studies. Authors are strongly encouraged to read all sections carefully before submission to ensure a smooth and efficient review and publication process.

1. Article Types and Length Requirements

JBLS accepts a range of manuscript types that contribute to theoretical advancement, empirical knowledge, and methodological innovation in language-related disciplines.

Original Research Articles

·         Length: 6,000–8,000 words (inclusive of abstract, tables, figures, references, and appendices)

·         Should report original empirical research grounded in a clearly defined theoretical framework

·         Must demonstrate methodological rigor, appropriate data analysis, and transparent reporting

·         Expected to provide critical interpretation of findings and a clear contribution to existing literature

·         Suitable for quantitative, qualitative, or mixed-methods designs

Systematic Reviews / Meta-Analyses

·         Length: Up to 12,000 words

·         Should synthesize existing research in a structured, transparent, and replicable manner

·         Meta-analyses must clearly describe inclusion criteria, coding procedures, and statistical methods

·         Authors are encouraged to follow established reporting guidelines (e.g., PRISMA), where applicable

Short Research Reports

·         Length: 2,000–4,000 words

·         Focused empirical studies, pilot investigations, replication studies, or methodological notes

·         Findings should be clearly reported, even if exploratory or preliminary

·         Particularly suitable for innovative research ideas or emerging data sets

Theoretical or Conceptual Papers

·         Length: 4,000–7,000 words

·         Should propose new models, conceptual frameworks, or critical perspectives

·         Must demonstrate strong engagement with existing theory and scholarly debate

·         Purely descriptive papers without analytical depth are discouraged

Book Reviews

·         Length: 1,000–2,000 words

·         Should critically evaluate recent publications relevant to the journal’s scope

·         Reviews must go beyond summary and discuss the book’s contribution, strengths, and limitations

2. Manuscript Structure for Original Research Articles

Original Research Articles must be organized using the following structure to ensure clarity, coherence, and replicability.

1. Title Page

Submitted as a separate file and must include:

·         Full title of the manuscript (concise and informative)

·         Full name(s) of all author(s)

·         Institutional affiliation(s)

·         ORCID ID(s) (strongly recommended)

·         Email address of the corresponding author

·         Acknowledgments (funding sources, institutional support, contributions)

·         AI-use disclosure statement, if applicable

2. Abstract (150–250 words)

The abstract should be a self-contained summary of the study and include:

·         The purpose and research focus

·         Brief description of methodology

·         Key findings or outcomes

·         Main theoretical or practical implications
Followed by 4–6 keywords that reflect the core content of the article.

3. Introduction

The introduction should:

·         Clearly present the research problem or question

·         Explain the significance of the study

·         Identify gaps or limitations in previous research

·         State research objectives, hypotheses, or research questions

·         Situate the study within its theoretical and contextual background

4. Literature Review / Background

This section should:

·         Provide a critical and integrated review of relevant literature

·         Demonstrate familiarity with key debates and prior findings

·         Identify unresolved issues or research gaps

·         Establish the theoretical or conceptual framework guiding the study

5. Method

Authors must describe their methodology in sufficient detail to allow replication. This section should include:

·         Participants: demographic information, sampling procedures, inclusion/exclusion criteria, and ethical approval

·         Instruments or Materials: detailed descriptions and evidence of validity and reliability where applicable

·         Procedures: step-by-step explanation of data collection

·         Research Design: qualitative, quantitative, or mixed-methods approach

·         Data Analysis: statistical techniques, coding procedures, software used, and analytic rationale

6. Results

The Results section should:

·         Present findings objectively and systematically

·         Use tables and figures where appropriate to enhance clarity

·         Report statistical values or qualitative themes clearly

·         Avoid interpretation or discussion of implications

7. Discussion

This section should:

·         Interpret and explain the findings

·         Relate results to previous research and theoretical expectations

·         Address unexpected findings where relevant

·         Discuss implications for theory, pedagogy, practice, or policy

·         Identify directions for future research

8. Conclusion

The conclusion should:

·         Summarize the main contributions of the study

·         Highlight key findings in relation to research objectives

·         Acknowledge limitations of the study

·         Suggest future research avenues

9. References

·         All references must strictly follow APA 7th Edition

·         Authors are responsible for the accuracy and completeness of references

10. Appendices (Optional)

May include:

·         Research instruments

·         Questionnaires or interview protocols

·         Coding schemes

·         Supplementary tables or materials

3. Formatting Requirements

All manuscripts must adhere to the following formatting guidelines:

·         File format: Microsoft Word (.docx)

·         Font: Times New Roman, 12-point

·         Spacing: Double-spaced throughout (including references)

·         Alignment: Left-aligned

·         Margins: 2.5 cm on all sides

·         Page numbers included

·         Line numbering is strongly recommended to facilitate peer review

4. Tables and Figures

·         Tables and figures must be numbered consecutively.

·         Each must include a clear, descriptive title or caption.

·         Must be cited in the text before appearing.

·         Formatting must conform to APA 7th Edition.

·         Authors are responsible for ensuring clarity and readability.

5. Language and Style

·         Manuscripts must be written in clear, formal academic English.

·         Authors should follow inclusive and bias-free language guidelines as outlined in APA 7.

·         Consistency in terminology and style is essential

·         Non-native English speakers are strongly encouraged to use professional language-editing services prior to submission.

6. AI Use Disclosure

Authors must explicitly and transparently disclose any use of Artificial Intelligence tools in any stage of manuscript preparation, including:

·         Writing, paraphrasing, or summarization

·         Data generation or analysis

·         Statistical computations

·         Image or figure creation

·         Translation or transcription

Example disclosure statement:

“The authors used ChatGPT (OpenAI) solely for language refinement and stylistic improvement. All conceptualization, analysis, and interpretation were conducted by the authors.”

Failure to disclose AI use constitutes a breach of publication ethics and may result in rejection or retraction.

7. Submission Process

·         Manuscripts must be submitted through the journal’s online submission system

·         The main manuscript file must be fully anonymized for double-blind review

·         A separate Title Page file must be uploaded

·         Authors must confirm:

o    Originality of the manuscript

o    Exclusive submission

o    Compliance with APA 7th Edition and journal policies

8. After Acceptance

Once accepted, manuscripts undergo the following stages:

·         Professional copyediting for clarity and consistency

·         Typesetting and layout preparation

·         Proofreading by authors

·         Final approval prior to publication

SUBMIT MANUSCRIPT

Authors are invited to submit their manuscripts via the journal’s official online submission system. Submissions that fully comply with the Author Guidelines will proceed more efficiently through the review and publication process.