Aims

Botswana Journal of Communication Studies and Applied Linguistics is a peer reviewed scholarly journal devoted to the publication of high quality, evolving, and contemporary research in communication studies and applied linguistics. The journal is a double peer reviewed international journal dedicated to promote the advancement of knowledge in applied linguistics, discourse studies and communication studies in global, regional, and local contexts.

BOJCAL provides a forum for researchers, academics, educators, and practitioners to share original studies, critical perspectives, and innovative practices that contribute to the stated fields. The journal aims to publish high‑quality review and empirical research that advances understanding of theoretical, empirical, and practical issues concerning language in educational, social, professional, and multilingual contexts. It seeks to support scholarly engagement by both early‑career and established researchers, while upholding rigorous academic standards and promoting regionally grounded scholarship with global relevance.

Scope

The scope of the journal includes but not limited to:

Applied linguistics: language policy, language teaching and learning, language assessment and testing, language technologies, multilingualism and translanguaging, academic literacies, English for Specific Purposes (ESP)

Discourse studies: multimodal discourse, conversation analysis, critical discourse, corpus analysis

Communication studies: interpersonal communication, intercultural communication, media and digital communication, applied communication

Mission

Botswana Journal of Communication Studies and Applied Linguistics aims to provide an international platform for promoting interdisciplinary research in communication studies and applied linguistics through a rigorous and constructive peer review process. The Journal promotes scholarly dialogue on the practical application of communication and linguistic knowledge to real‑world language issues, supporting research that informs teaching, professional practice, and evidence‑based policy in Botswana, across Africa, and globally.

Publication Types

  • Review Articles: 5000-7000 words
  • Original Research Articles: 5000-8000 words

Publication Frequency

The journal publishes biannually (June and December) and upholds a timely publication of accepted papers. 

Access Model

Botswana Journal of Communication Studies and Applied Linguistics is published online with open access. There are no submission or article processing fees, allowing researchers, educators, students, and practitioners worldwide to access and benefit from the journal’s content

Editorial Board

The journal is guided by an international editorial team of leading professors in linguistics and communication.

Editorial Standards

All submissions undergo an initial evaluation by the editorial committee before they are subjected to a double blind peer review for transparency and quality. The criteria for evaluation are based on theoretical relevance, originality, similarity index, methodological thoroughness and contribution to the field of communication or applied linguistics.

Editorial Committee

  • Dr Susan Olajoke Akinkurolere
  • Dr Brigid Conteh
  • Dr Chipo Phili
  • Dr Admire Mhindu
  • Dr Boitshwarelo Rantsudu
  • Dr Moreen Mugomba
  • Dr Florence Nwaefuna
  • Dr Sekoai Elliot Nkhi
  • Prof Eureka Baneka Mokibelo

Advisory Board

  • Prof Maleshoane Rapeane Mathonsi

           Senior Lecturer
           Department of Media, Language and Communication
           Durban University of Technology
           South Africa

  • Professor Thompson Ewata

           Professor
           Department of Linguistics & Nigerian Languages
           The University of Africa, ToruOrua
           Nigeria

  • Prof Thembeka Shange

          Senior Lecturer
          Department of English Studies
          University of South Africa
          South Africa

  • Prof Maboleba Kolobe

           Senior Lecturer
           Department of English
           National University of Lesotho
           Lesotho

  • Prof Moses Omoniyi Ayeomoni

         Professor
         Department of English
         Obafemi Awolowo University
         Nigeria

  • Dr Mokhoele Halahala

           Senior Lecturer
           Department of English
           National University of Lesotho

Roles of Editors

Screening: They screen the overall manuscript evaluation and publication process and ensure that the manuscript fits the journal’s scope.

Management: They select qualified reviewers, communicate with all parties involved, and ensure the process runs smoothly and on schedule.

Decision making: They decide on manuscript acceptance or rejection and assess the need for minor or major revisions, ensuring that all decisions are fair, unbiased, and evidence based.

Research integrity: They maintain research integrity by addressing ethical issues such as misconduct, plagiarism, and data fabrication, following Committee on Publication Ethics guidelines (COPE), and issuing corrections, retractions, or clarifications when required.

Confidentiality: They treat all manuscripts as confidential and ensure reviewers maintain confidentiality as well.

Authors support: Support authors by providing clear guidance and constructive feedback.

Roles of Peer Reviewers

  • Critical evaluation: They review the manuscript comprehensively by examining its quality, methodology, originality, validity, relevance, and ethical compliance (e.g., participant consent, data reporting).
  • Feedback: They deliver constructive feedback through detailed and unbiased reports, suggesting improvements and highlighting the manuscript’s strengths and weaknesses.
  • Ethical integrity: They identify ethical or scientific issues by alerting editors to unethical research practices (plagiarism, redundant publication, data manipulation, conflicts of interest).
  • Confidentiality: Maintain confidentiality by not sharing or discussing manuscripts or using information for personal advantage.
  • Conflict of interest: Decline the review if they have a personal or professional relationship with the author or stand to benefit from the research outcomes or lack expertise needed for impartial review.
  • Timeliness: Must meet deadlines or inform the editor if extra time is needed or decline review invitations promptly if unavailable.

Submission Guidelines

Manuscript Preparation Guidelines

General Formatting

  • File format: Microsoft Word (.doc or .docx)
  • Font: Times New Roman, 12‑point
  • Line spacing: 1.5
  • Margins: 2.5 cm on all sides
  • Text alignment: left‑aligned
  • Page numbers: bottom right or centre

Title Page (Submitted Separately)

The title page should include:

  • Title of the manuscript
  • Author(s) full name(s)
  • Institutional affiliation(s)
  • Corresponding author’s email address
  • ORCID iD(s), where available

Anonymous Manuscript

The main manuscript should exclude all author identifiers and contain the following sections:

  1. Title
  2. Abstract
  3. Keywords
  4. Main text
  5. References
  6. Appendices (if applicable)

Abstract and Keywords

  • Abstract length: 150–250 words
  • The abstract should state:
    • Purpose of the study
    • Methodology
    • Key results or arguments
    • Main implications
  • Provide 4–6 keywords, listed alphabetically.

 Structure of Research Articles

Research articles should normally include the following sections:

  • Introduction
  • Literature Review
  • Methodology
  • Results / Findings
  • Discussion
  • Conclusion and Implications

Sub‑sections should be clearly labeled and consistently formatted.

 Tables, Figures, and Illustrations

  • Tables and figures must be numbered consecutively (e.g., Table 1, Figure 1).
  • Titles should appear above tables and below figures.
  • All tables and figures must be referenced in the text.
  • Use black‑and‑white or grayscale formatting unless colour is essential.

Referencing Style

The journal uses the APA Referencing Style (7th edition).

In‑text citation examples:

  • (Mhindu, 2025)
  • (Mokibelo & Pansiri, 2021)
  • (Akinkurolere, 2024, p. 83)

Reference list examples:

Journal Article

  • Nkhi, S.E., & Mofana, M. (2025). Social Media and the Integration of Minority Indigenous Languages in Political Participation: Challenges and Prospects. Journal of Asian and African Studies. https://doi.org/10.1177/002219096251352489

Book

Hyland, K. (2019). Second language writing. Cambridge University Press.

Submission Procedure

Authors should submit the following documents:

  • Title page
  • Anonymous manuscript
  • Declaration of originality

Submissions should be made via the journal’s official submission platform.

 Copyright and Author Rights

  • Copyright of accepted articles rests with BJCSAL.
  • Authors may archive their published work in institutional repositories with acknowledgment of the journal as the original source.

Information for Authors

Interested in submitting to this journal? We recommend that authors review the About the Journal page for the journal’s section policies, as well as the Submission Guidelines. Authors need to register with the journal prior to submitting or, if already registered, can simply log in and begin the submission process.

 Peer Review Process

a). Upon receipt of a manuscript submission, an email confirmation will be sent to the author(s) immediately. If the author does not receive this confirmation, the submission may not have been received properly, and the author should contact the editorial office in time.

b). All submissions are subject to a double blind peer review. The review process may take 4–10 weeks. In rare cases, based on the recommendations of editors and reviewers, a second round of peer review may be initiated.

c). Authors are notified of the result of the review by email.

d). Authors of accepted papers are expected to revise their manuscripts in line with reviewers’ comments and editorial suggestions.

e). The final published version of the article is made available on the journal’s webpage and can be downloaded free of charge.

Indexing and Abstracting

The journal is working to gain indexing in reputable academic databases

Ethical Guidelines

The Botswana Journal of Communication Studies and Applied Linguistics (BOJCAL) is committed to upholding the highest standards of ethical conduct, academic integrity, transparency, and accountability in scholarly publishing. These guidelines apply to all participants in the publication process, including authors, reviewers, and editors.

Purpose and Scope

These Ethical Guidelines define the principles and responsibilities governing the submission, review, publication, and dissemination of scholarly work in the Journal. The Journal adheres to internationally recognised best practices in academic publishing and strives to maintain trust in the scholarly record.

Ethical Responsibilities of Authors

Originality and Plagiarism

  • Submitted manuscripts must be original works that have not been published previously and are not under consideration elsewhere.
  • Proper acknowledgment and citation of all sources is required.
  • Plagiarism, self‑plagiarism, data fabrication, data falsification, and improper image manipulations are strictly prohibited.

Authorship and Contributions

  • Authorship is limited to individuals who have made substantial intellectual contributions to the research.
  • All listed authors must approve the final version of the manuscript prior to submission.
  • Requests for changes in authorship after submission must be justified and approved by all authors.

Data Integrity and Transparency

  • Authors are responsible for the accuracy, completeness, and honest reporting of research data.
  • Data supporting the findings should be retained and made available where reasonable.
  • Selective reporting or misrepresentation of results is considered unethical.

Research Ethics and Approval

  • Studies involving humans or animals must comply with relevant ethical standards and regulations.
  • Approval from an appropriate ethics committee or institutional review board must be stated where applicable.
  • Informed consent must be obtained when required.

Conflicts of Interest

  • Authors must disclose any financial, institutional, or personal relationships that may influence the research.
  • All funding sources must be clearly acknowledged.

Ethical Responsibilities of Reviewers

Confidentiality

  • Manuscripts under review are confidential and must not be shared or disclosed.
  • Information obtained through peer review must not be used for personal advantage.

Objectivity and Professionalism

  • Reviews must be conducted fairly, objectively, and respectfully.
  • Personal criticism of authors is unacceptable.
  • Feedback should be constructive and based on scholarly merit.

Conflicts of Interest

  • Reviewers must declare any conflicts of interest and decline the review if impartiality is compromised.

Timeliness

  • Reviewers should complete reviews within the agreed timeframe or inform the editor of any delays.

Ethical Responsibilities of Editors

Editorial Independence

  • Editorial decisions are based solely on the quality, originality, relevance, and ethical integrity of manuscripts.
  • Editors must act independently and without influence from sponsors or commercial interests.

Fair Peer Review

  • Editors ensure a transparent, unbiased, and confidential peer review process.
  • Submissions by editors or editorial board members are handled independently to avoid conflicts of interest.

Managing Conflicts of Interest

  • Editors must recuse themselves from manuscripts where conflicts exist.
  • Any potential conflicts must be disclosed and appropriately managed.

Ethical Oversight and Misconduct

  • Editors are responsible for investigating ethical concerns, including plagiarism and data manipulation.
  • Corrective actions may include rejection, correction, retraction, or notification of relevant institutions.

Publisher’s Responsibilities

  • The publisher supports ethical publishing and editorial independence.
  • Commercial interests must not compromise scholarly standards.
  • The publisher assists with handling ethical issues and preserving the integrity of the scholarly record.

 Open Access Publishing Ethics and Guidelines

Open Access Policy

  • The Journal operates under an Open Access model, providing free and immediate access to all published content.
  • Readers may read, download, copy, distribute, and link to articles, subject to licensing terms and proper attribution.

Licensing and Copyright

  • Authors retain copyright of their work unless otherwise specified.
  • Articles are published under a Creative Commons license, which defines permitted reuse.
  • Authors are responsible for obtaining permission for any third‑party materials.

Peer Review Integrity in Open Access

  • Open access manuscripts undergo the same rigorous peer review as all other submissions.
  • Editorial decisions are based entirely on scholarly quality and ethical compliance.

Ethical Use and Reuse of Content

  • Users must provide proper citation when reusing content.
  • Misuse, plagiarism, or reuse beyond license terms is considered unethical.

Archiving and Preservation

  • The Journal supports long‑term digital preservation through indexing services and repositories.
  • Authors may deposit the published version of their article in institutional or subject repositories in accordance with Journal policy.

Transparency and Accountability

  • The Journal distinguishes legitimate open access publishing from predatory practices.
  • All participants must uphold ethical standards throughout the open access publication process.

Corrections, Retractions, and Complaints

  • Errors discovered after publication may result in corrections or retractions, depending on severity.
  • Complaints and appeals are handled transparently and fairly through established editorial procedures.

Policy Review and Updates

These Ethical Guidelines are reviewed periodically and updated to reflect evolving best practices in scholarly publishing.

AI Policy

This policy governs the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and AI-assisted tools in research, data generation/analysis, manuscript preparation, and figure/image generation for submissions to BOJCAL

Definitions

AI tools are software or services that perform tasks autonomously or semi-autonomously using machine learning, generative models, large language models (LLMs), or other automated inference (e.g., ChatGPT, Bard, DALL·E, Stable Diffusion, model-based simulation tools).

AI-assisted text: text drafted, edited, or substantially revised using AI tools.

AI-generated data/images: synthetic data, simulated results, or images produced wholly or partly by AI.

General Principles

 Authorship and Accountability

Authors are responsible for their content's accuracy, integrity, and originality, including AI-assisted sections.

Authors must verify all AI-generated content for plagiarism, bias, and correctness, particularly citations.

Ethical Use and Integrity

The use of AI for creating fake data or manipulating images/graphics is prohibited.

The core ideas, analysis, and interpretation must be the intellectual property of human researchers.

The journal may use AI detection tools to verify compliance, while acknowledging that these tools are not fool proof.

Declaration of AI Use

The journal requires authors to disclose any use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools in the preparation of manuscripts. Authors must declare the AI tool(s) used and clearly indicate their purpose (e.g., language editing, data analysis, coding, or figure generation).

AI tools must not be listed as authors, and authors remain fully accountable for the correctness, originality, and reliability of all content.

Manuscripts must comply with a similarity threshold of 15% or less. Failure to disclose AI use or misuse of such tools may lead to rejection or other editorial action.

Policy updates

The journal will review and update this policy regularly as AI capabilities and norms evolve. Authors should consult the latest policy at submission

Contact Information: For enquiries, contact the editor-in-chief: akinkuroleres@ub.ac.bw