Journal of Research in Applied Linguistics

Journal of Research in Applied Linguistics

Applied Linguistics in the AI Era: A Scientometric Mapping of Global Trends, Hotspots, and Trajectories

Articles in Press

Document Type : Research Article

Authors
Lalu Nurul Yaqin 1
Akhmad Habibi 2
Norazmie Yusof 1
1 Malay Language, Linguistics and Literature Programme, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, Universiti Brunei Darussalam, Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei Darussalam
2 Graduate School of Education, Korea University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
10.22055/rals.2026.51145.3721
Abstract
This study aims to map global research trends, hotspots, and trajectories in applied linguistics in the AI era through a scientometric analysis of 9,090 publications indexed in Scopus between 2016 and 2025. Results reveal an average annual growth rate of 23.76%, with outputs increasing from 308 publications in 2016 to 2,134 in 2025. Leading journals (System, ReCALL, and Computer-Assisted Language Learning) emerged as central publication venues. Keyword co-occurrence networks reveal a thematic shift from CALL and corpus linguistics to generative AI, multimodality, and human-AI collaboration. Country and institutional networks confirm the dominance of the United States, China, and the United Kingdom, alongside rising hubs in East Asia and the Middle East. Author analyses indicate a polycentric field, shaped by both computational pioneers and applied linguists addressing pedagogical and ethical implications. These findings demonstrate that AI-related applied linguistics study has transitioned from a peripheral innovation to a consolidated, globally networked subfield marked by exponential growth and thematic diversification.
Keywords
Applied Linguistics
Artificial Intelligence
Large Language Models
Scientometric Analysis
Journal of Research in Applied Linguistics

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 14 May 2026