How non-english language addiction journals engage with language issues: responses to an isaje enquiry

Abstract

The International Society of Addiction Journal Editors (ISAJE) is investigating the extent to which language barriers may impede knowledge-sharing in the addiction arena. Seventeen editors of addiction journals published in languages other than English were asked to complete a questionnaire about their editorial practices and policies. Nine journals provided information which forms the basis of the present paper. Two main types of readership were identified: those defined by a single language or group of languages; and those forming a distinct geographical or cultural grouping. All the responding journals provided English language abstracts in order to give salience to the work they published. Other devices to enhance internationality included English language supplements; offering language editing support; publishing translated material from other journals; and inviting scientists from other countries to serve on editorial advisory boards. Ideas meriting further exploration or strengthening were: negotiating improved access to extracting services; agreements with English language journals for reprinting of translated material; encouraging English language publishing houses to submit books for review (and vice versa); support for regional networking in areas of the world where further development is needed.