Publication Ethics

Ethics Statement

This ethics statement for Loquēla (Journal of Linguistics, Literature, and Education) is adapted from the principles of the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE) and outlines the code of conduct for all parties involved in the publication process: authors, reviewers, editorial board members, the chief editor, and the publisher. This statement is based on COPE guidelines: COPE Code of Conduct.

Articles published in Loquēla are an essential part of building a respected body of knowledge in the fields of linguistics, literature, and education. The ethical behavior of all parties involved in the publication process is crucial for ensuring the credibility of the journal and the quality of the academic record.

All editors, reviewers, authors, and the publisher involved in the journal are expected to adhere to the following ethical guidelines:

Duties of Authors

  1. Ensure that submitted work is original, has not been previously published, and is not under consideration elsewhere.
  2. Avoid submitting the same manuscript to more than one journal at the same time.
  3. Properly cite the work and ideas of others, ensuring that all sources are acknowledged and that plagiarism is strictly avoided. All manuscripts will be checked using Turnitin with a maximum similarity threshold of 20%.
  4. Declare any potential conflicts of interest that could influence the results or interpretation of their manuscript.
  5. Notify the editor immediately if a significant error or inaccuracy is discovered in their published work, so it can be promptly corrected or retracted.
  6. Be accountable for the integrity and accuracy of their research, including ensuring that all authors listed have made a significant contribution to the work.
  7. Obtain proper ethical approval for research involving human or animal subjects, and provide clear statements regarding informed consent, confidentiality, and protection of subjects' rights.
  8. Be willing to provide raw data or detailed methods upon request to ensure transparency in the research process.

Duties of Reviewers

  1. Provide objective and constructive feedback to help improve the quality of the manuscript.
  2. Maintain the confidentiality of the review process and not discuss the manuscript with others outside of the journal.
  3. Declare any conflicts of interest that may prevent an impartial review and refuse to review submissions where such conflicts exist.
  4. Be alert to potential ethical issues, such as plagiarism or redundancy, and report these to the editor.
  5. Ensure that the methodology is robust, the data is valid, and the conclusions are supported by the data presented.
  6. Complete the review process within the agreed timeframe, or request an extension from the editor if necessary.
  7. Avoid using the manuscript's content or data for personal advantage or sharing the manuscript with unauthorized parties.

Duties of Editorial Board Members

  1. Actively contribute to the development and success of the journal by promoting its mission and ensuring high-quality content.
  2. Provide expert input and advice to the editorial team on matters related to the journal's scope and future direction.
  3. Support the journal by reviewing manuscripts and providing feedback on submissions within their area of expertise.
  4. Promote the journal and encourage submissions from qualified researchers and scholars.
  5. Maintain confidentiality regarding all manuscript submissions and decisions until articles are officially published.

Duties of the Chief Editor

  1. Ensure that all manuscripts are evaluated fairly based solely on their intellectual merit, regardless of the authors' race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, nationality, or political affiliation.
  2. Maintain confidentiality regarding the submitted manuscripts, reviewer identities, and review outcomes.
  3. Make the final decision on whether to accept or reject a manuscript based on the reviewers' feedback and the overall quality of the work.
  4. Ensure the publication of articles in a timely and professional manner, and take responsibility for the quality and integrity of the journal's content.
  5. Actively seek ways to improve the journal's visibility and impact, consulting with board members, reviewers, and authors.
  6. Provide clear guidelines to authors on the submission process and ensure that the peer review process is transparent and unbiased.
  7. Take swift action in response to any ethical concerns raised regarding submitted or published manuscripts, including retractions or corrections when necessary.

Duties of the Publisher

  1. Ensure the publication process operates smoothly and with integrity by providing necessary resources and infrastructure for the journal’s management.
  2. Work with the editorial board and authors to support the ethical publication of all journal content, ensuring that all legal and ethical standards are upheld.
  3. Respond promptly to ethical concerns raised regarding submitted or published manuscripts, collaborating with the editorial board to take appropriate corrective actions, such as issuing corrections or retractions.
  4. Maintain the confidentiality of all submission data and provide secure systems for the storage and distribution of journal content.

Loquēla is committed to upholding the highest standards of publication ethics, as outlined by COPE. Any violation of these ethical guidelines will be addressed promptly, and appropriate actions will be taken to maintain the integrity of the academic record.