About the Journal

Journal Overview

The International Journal Linguistics of Sumatra and Malay (IJLSM) (e-ISSN: 2986-3848) is a peer-reviewed, open-access scholarly journal established in 2022. The journal is organized by the Doctoral Program in Linguistics, Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Sumatera Utara, Indonesia, and published by TALENTA Publisher, Universitas Sumatera Utara.

IJLSM provides an academic platform for the dissemination of original research that advances theoretical, descriptive, and applied linguistic inquiry, with particular attention to the languages of Sumatra and Malay linguistic traditions. The journal welcomes contributions that examine linguistic structures, language use, language variation, language change, language acquisition, and the relationships between language, society, and culture. It also encourages interdisciplinary approaches that contribute to a deeper understanding of regional languages and their broader linguistic connections.

The journal is committed to promoting rigorous scholarship, fostering international academic exchange, and increasing the visibility of research on Sumatran languages and Malay linguistic traditions within the global linguistics community. Contributions are expected to demonstrate sound theoretical grounding, methodological rigor, and clear relevance to linguistic research.

IJLSM operates under a Platinum Open Access model, meaning that all published articles are freely accessible to readers without subscription barriers. The journal does not charge authors any article processing charges (APCs) or publication fees. This policy reflects the journal's commitment to equitable access to scholarly knowledge and the dissemination of linguistic research without financial barriers for authors or readers.

Focus and Scope

IJLSM publishes original research articles that fall within its established focus and scope, encompassing core linguistic disciplines, interdisciplinary approaches, and research on the languages of Sumatra and Malay linguistic traditions. The journal welcomes theoretical, descriptive, comparative, and applied studies in areas such as phonology, morphology, syntax, semantics, pragmatics, dialectology, historical linguistics, language documentation, sociolinguistics, psycholinguistics, neurolinguistics, anthropological linguistics, and applied linguistics.

Particular emphasis is placed on research concerning Sumatran languages, Malay varieties, endangered languages, language preservation and revitalization, multilingualism, and the relationships between regional languages and the broader Austronesian and Malayic language families. Interdisciplinary contributions are welcome when linguistic analysis constitutes a central component of the research.

For a detailed description of the journal's thematic priorities and eligible subject areas, authors are encouraged to consult the Focus and Scope section.

Peer Review and Editorial Process

All manuscripts submitted to IJLSM undergo an initial editorial screening to assess their relevance to the journal's focus and scope, originality, academic quality, methodological soundness, and compliance with the journal's submission requirements. Manuscripts are also screened for textual similarity as part of the journal's efforts to uphold academic integrity.

Manuscripts that pass the initial screening are evaluated through a double-blind peer review process, in which the identities of authors and reviewers are concealed from one another during the review process. Independent reviewers with relevant expertise assess the manuscript's scholarly contribution, theoretical foundation, research design, analysis, and overall quality.

Based on the reviewers' reports and the editorial assessment, the Editor-in-Chief or designated editor makes the final decision regarding acceptance, revision, or rejection. The journal may request revisions to address reviewers' comments, improve the clarity of the manuscript, or ensure compliance with its academic and language standards. Acceptance for publication is contingent upon satisfactory completion of the editorial and review process.

Publication Frequency and Access

IJLSM is published twice a year, with issues released in June and December. Manuscripts may be submitted throughout the year, subject to the journal's submission guidelines and editorial procedures.

As an open-access journal, IJLSM makes its published articles immediately available online without subscription or access fees. Readers may access and read published research freely, supporting the wider dissemination, visibility, and scholarly use of research on linguistics, Sumatran languages, and Malay linguistic traditions.