The Modern Language Journal: A Pillar of Linguistics and Language Education
In the evolving landscape of global communication, the academic study of how we acquire and teach languages is paramount. The Modern Language Journal stands as a premier peer-reviewed academic publication dedicated to the research and discussion of foreign and second language learning and teaching. Published by Wiley-Blackwell on behalf of the National Federation of Modern Language Teachers Associations (NFMLTA) in the United States, it serves as a critical bridge between linguistic theory and classroom practice.
Key Facts
- Established: 1916
- Impact Factor: 7.500 (2022)
- Frequency: Quarterly (with a fifth special issue since 2007)
- Publisher: Wiley-Blackwell for the NFMLTA
- Focus: Foreign and second language education and linguistics
Scope and Academic Contribution
The journal is designed to challenge existing paradigms of language learning. By providing a platform for rigorous scholarly debate, it helps educators and linguists refine their methodologies. The publication accepts a diverse range of contributions, ensuring that both theoretical frameworks and practical applications are represented.
Types of Published Content
To maintain a comprehensive view of the field, the journal publishes several types of articles:
- Research Studies: Investigations utilizing both quantitative (numerical) and qualitative (descriptive) methodologies.
- Documented Essays: In-depth scholarly explorations of specific linguistic themes.
- Response Articles and Editorials: Pieces that critique, respond to, or challenge current teaching and learning models.
Professional Resources and Services
Beyond primary research, the journal provides essential tools for the professional community. The "News & Notes of the Profession" section keeps practitioners informed via a calendar of events, professional announcements, and current initiatives. Additionally, the journal offers reviews of scholarly books, monographs, and computer software, as well as curated lists of relevant articles from other professional publications.
For those tracking academic trends in the U.S., the journal's website hosts an annual survey of doctoral degrees granted in linguistics, foreign language education, literatures, and cultures.
Publication Details and Metrics
Since its inception in 1916, the journal has maintained a consistent presence in the academic community. While it traditionally follows a quarterly schedule, it expanded its output in 2007 to include a fifth annual issue, which alternates between a focus issue and a monograph (a detailed written study on a single specialized subject).
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| ISSN (Print/Web) | 0026-7902 / 1540-4781 |
| ISO 4 Abbreviation | Mod. Lang. J. |
| Impact Factor (2022) | 7.500 |
| Indexing | Scopus, JSTOR, NLM, CODEN, LCCN, MIAR |
| OCLC Number | 615546163 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of The Modern Language Journal?
The journal focuses on the research and discussion surrounding the learning and teaching of second and foreign languages, blending linguistics with educational practice.
Who publishes the journal?
It is published by Wiley-Blackwell on behalf of the National Federation of Modern Language Teachers Associations in the United States.
How often is the journal published?
The journal is published quarterly, but since 2007, it has included a fifth annual issue that serves as either a monograph or a focus issue.
What is the journal's impact factor?
According to the Journal Citation Reports, the journal had an impact factor of 7.500 in 2022.
What kinds of research methodologies are accepted?
The journal publishes research studies that employ both quantitative and qualitative methodologies.