About the Journal

Journal Overview

The International Journal Linguistics of Sumatra and Malay (IJLSM) (e-ISSN: 2986-3848) is a peer-reviewed, open-access academic journal established in 2022. Organized by the Postgraduate Program in Linguistics, Faculty of Cultural Sciences at the Universitas Sumatera Utara, Indonesia, and published by TALENTA Publisher, IJLSM is dedicated to the global exchange of linguistic knowledge. The journal operates under a strict Platinum Open Access policy (No Article Processing Charges), ensuring that manuscript submission, review, editing, and publication are entirely free for all authors.

Focus and Scope

IJLSM provides a premier forum for high-quality research articles and comprehensive book reviews that advance our understanding of language, literature, and culture. We exclusively accept manuscripts written in English, inviting original scientific contributions focusing on:

  • General and applied linguistics studies.

  • The structural, historical, and sociolinguistic aspects of languages in Sumatra.

  • In-depth studies on Malay languages and their global diaspora.

  • Documentation, preservation, and revitalization of endangered languages in Sumatra.

Peer Review and Editorial Process

To maintain rigorous scientific and academic standards, IJLSM strictly employs a Double-Blind Peer Review system, ensuring the identities of both authors and reviewers remain completely confidential throughout the assessment process.

  • Initial Screening: All submissions undergo a preliminary editorial evaluation and a mandatory similarity check using Turnitin software. Manuscripts demonstrating any indication of plagiarism will be immediately rejected without further review.

  • Evaluation: Articles passing the initial screening are reviewed by independent subject-matter experts. The Editorial Board holds the final authority on the acceptance or rejection of articles based on these peer reviews.

  • Quality Assurance: The editors reserve the right to mandate authors to utilize professional proofreading services and may decline manuscripts that fail to comply with the journal's linguistic standards.

Publication Schedule

The journal operates on a biannual publication schedule to ensure a consistent flow of current research:

  • June Issue: First publication window of the year.

  • December Issue: Second publication window of the year.

Submissions are accepted continuously year-round. All published articles are instantly available to the public under our immediate open-access policy, maximizing research visibility and impact.