Corrigenda and Retractions Policy

The Journal of Studies in Language, Culture, and Society (JSLCS) is committed to maintaining the integrity and accuracy of the academic record. This policy outlines the procedures for issuing corrections (corrigenda) and retractions in cases where published content is found to contain errors, misconduct, or violations of ethical standards.

1. Corrigenda (Corrections)

A corrigendum is issued when a published article contains substantial errors that affect the interpretation of data, conclusions, or key arguments. Minor typographical errors and formatting issues that do not impact the scientific content are not subject to correction notices.

Types of Corrigenda

  • Author-Initiated Corrections: Authors who identify a significant error in their published work must notify the journal and provide a detailed explanation. The editorial team will assess whether a correction is necessary.

  • Editor-Initiated Corrections: If the editorial board identifies a content-related error (e.g., incorrect data, misinterpretation of findings, or missing references), a correction may be issued.

Correction Notice

  • A correction notice (corrigendum) will be published and linked to the original article.

  • The original article will remain unchanged, but an editorial note will direct readers to the corrigendum.

  • The correction notice will provide a clear explanation of the changes made without altering the original research intent.

2. Retractions

Retractions are issued in cases of serious ethical violations, research misconduct, or fundamental errors that compromise the validity of the research. The journal follows the COPE Retraction Guidelines to ensure transparency and fairness.

Grounds for Retraction

A retraction may be issued if:

  1. Fabrication, Falsification, or Plagiarism: The article contains fabricated or manipulated data, images, or plagiarism.

  2. Honest Errors That Affect Findings: Significant mistakes (e.g., miscalculations, flawed methodologies) that undermine the conclusions.

  3. Duplicate or Redundant Publication: The article has been published elsewhere without proper disclosure or permission.

  4. Undisclosed Conflicts of Interest: The author has failed to disclose conflicts that significantly impact the research integrity.

  5. Ethical Violations: Breaches in ethical research conduct, such as lack of informed consent, unethical experimentation, or authorship disputes.

  6. Legal or Copyright Issues: The publication contains content that violates copyright laws or legal agreements.

Retraction Process

  • Investigation: The editorial board will conduct an investigation, consulting COPE guidelines and, if necessary, contacting the author(s), reviewers, and relevant institutions.

  • Author Notification: The author(s) will be informed of the concerns and given an opportunity to respond.

  • Editorial Decision: If a retraction is necessary, the editorial board will make a formal decision and publish a Retraction Notice explaining the reasons.

Retraction Notice

  • The original article remains available online but is marked as retracted.

  • A Retraction Notice is published separately, providing a transparent explanation of the reason for retraction.

  • If misconduct is involved, the journal may notify the author's institution or funding bodies.

3. Expression of Concern

In cases where an investigation is ongoing but unresolved, the journal may issue an Expression of Concern, alerting readers to potential issues while awaiting final verification.

4. Editorial Independence and Transparency

  • Retractions and corrections are not influenced by external pressures and are based on ethical and academic integrity.

  • All corrections and retractions will remain publicly accessible to ensure transparency in the academic record.