Journal of Research in Applied Linguistics (RALs), published by Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz (Iran) is a double-blind, peer-reviewed, and open-access international journal of applied linguistics. The journal, published biannually in print and electronic formats, provides a forum devoted to the study of language in use as an aspect of social life. RALs is dedicated to publishing manuscripts that explore the interplay between language and context in instructed or uninstructed second/foreign language learning contexts using a wide array of methodological strategies. Aiming to promote the culture of genuine inquiry and encourage original and quality publications, RALs seeks contributions that improve the theories of language use and provide implications and applications for individuals, practitioners, and discourse communities engaged in second language communication.

RALs welcomes original research with qualitative or quantitative orientations, meta-analyses, and systematic reviews. Biannually, one issue of RALs is published as a regular edition and another as a special issue that focuses on contemporary themes in applied linguistics. The Editor may invite a guest editor with particular expertise to help review the manuscripts for publication. In such cases, the publication decision rests with the guest editor.

Special edition: Systemic Functional Linguistics and English Language Education

Journal of Research in Applied Linguistics (https://rals.scu.ac.ir/). September 2025.

Special edition editors: Christian Matthiessen (University of International Business and Economics, Beijing), Anne McCabe (Saint Louis University, Madrid Campus, Spain), & Jorge Arús-Hita (Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Spain)

Supervising editors: Alireza Jalilifar & Amir Mashhadi (Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Iran)

The editors are delighted to announce a special edition of the Journal of Research in Applied Linguistics devoted to recent contributions to applications of Systemic Functional Linguistics to English language education. The special issue welcomes high-quality theoretical and experimental full-research papers that focus on various aspects of English language teaching and learning, including but not limited to theoretical and methodological concerns, classroom practice, policy issues, etc. Contributors are encouraged to submit original proposals on the relevant topics, taking the following guidelines and deadlines into serious consideration.

Proposal submission: 

We call for proposals on the theme of the special issue. Submitted proposals and the subsequent paper drafts will be subject to peer-review. Final drafts need to be submitted via the Journal website according to the Guidelines for Authors. Special reference will be given to both quality and diversity in terms of topics, data, theoretical orientations, methodology, and contexts. 

Proposals should be submitted by email to the special issue editor, Anne McCabe (anne.mccabe@slu.edu), in a Word file with the following information: 

• Title of proposed paper 
• Name/s and affiliation/s of author/s 
• Email of corresponding author 
• Abstract of maximum 500 words should outline the following: the focus and aim of the proposed paper, its theoretical underpinning, nature of data to be engaged with, preliminary findings and how the proposed paper connects with the special edition theme 
• Any references – maximum five 
• Bio of author/s – maximum 75 words (each) 

Special issue timeline: 

It is highly important to meet the following deadlines, especially if the works in progress are to be considered for publication.

• Deadline for article abstracts March 1, 2025 (send to editor – see email above) 
• Decision on abstracts March 16, 2025 
• Deadline for article drafts June 15, 2025 (send to journal website registration and submission portal). In order to make sure your paper is included in the special edition, please use the following heading on your title page, and before your paper's main title: "Contribution to special edition of Research in Applied Linguistics 2025, dedicated to Systemic Functional Linguistics and English Language Education”.
• First round review feedback to authors, July 21, 2025 
• Deadline for revised articles, August 15, 2025
• Feedback on revised articles, August 31, 2025
• Final submission from authors, September 23, 2025 
• Publication, September 30, 2025