Language Learning is inviting proposals for a 2027 special issue from prospective guest editors.

We welcome proposals that will engage Language Learning’s international readership and advance scholarly understanding of language learning. We are especially interested in special issue themes that highlight work in areas of inquiry, theoretical approaches, and methodological tools in language learning that are underrepresented and/or represent cutting- edge developments in the wider interdisciplinary field of language learning.

The special issue will bring together seven to nine original contributions of standard article length (10,000 words including references, tables, and figures) and will be accompanied by an introduction written by the guest editor(s). See an example here.

Guest editors are expected to invite contributors directly. In addition, they are strongly encouraged to issue a rapid-response open call for papers, newly emphasized this year. This helps ensure broad participation and the inclusion of leading-edge research beyond the guest editors’ immediate networks.


Proposals should include:

  1. A general description of the issue and its potential contribution to the field (maximum 800 words);
  2. A list of contributors and article abstracts (300-400 words each);
  3. The name(s) and qualifications of the guest editor(s), including relevant editing experience (maximum 300 words per editor).

Deadline: E-mail proposals in a single .pdf file to Associate Editor and Editor of Special Thematic Issues, Aline Godfroid at [email protected] by September 30th, 2025.


Important dates:

  • September 30th 2025: Proposals due
  • October 15th 2025: Winning proposal announced
  • May 15th 2026: Submission of first-draft manuscripts to Language Learning via Research Exchange
  • June 15th 2027: All final manuscripts due, submitted via Research Exchange

Proposals will be reviewed by the Editorial Board of the journal. The special issue will appear in September 2027. Please contact Editor of Special Thematic Issues/Associate Editor Aline Godfroid ([email protected]) with any questions.