Langkawi: Journal of The Association for Arabic and English

Focus and Scope
Langkawi: Journal of The Association for Arabic and English publishes original research articles that focus on the study of language in relation to education, technology, social identity, and public discourse, as well as culture and literature. The journal’s scope is designed to contribute directly to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through perspectives drawn from linguistics, education, and critical humanities studies.

Language and Education

SDG 4 — Quality Education
This focus examines the role of language in learning, teaching, and assessment across diverse educational contexts, both formal and non-formal. Areas of inquiry include language pedagogy, multiliteracies, culturally responsive learning, multilingual education, and the development of inclusive curricula and assessment practices. Through this focus, Langkawi supports equitable, high-quality education that respects linguistic and cultural diversity among learners.

Language and Digital Technology

SDG 9 — Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
This area highlights the interaction between language and digital technologies, including the use of artificial intelligence, social media, online learning platforms, machine translation, and digital communication ecologies. Contributions in this field explore how technological innovations shape linguistic practices, learning processes, and knowledge production, while also critically examining the ethical, pedagogical, and social implications of digital infrastructures in global societies.

Language, Identity, and Social Inclusion

SDG 10 — Reduced Inequalities
This focus addresses language as a medium for the construction, negotiation, and resistance of social, cultural, and ethnic identities. It encompasses studies on minority and heritage languages, marginalized community languages, and linguistic practices in contexts of migration, disability, gender, and religious plurality. By positioning language as a tool of empowerment, Langkawi contributes to reducing social inequalities and amplifying the voices of underrepresented communities.

Language, Discourse, and Public Ethics

SDG 16 — Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions
This area explores the role of language and discourse in the public sphere, including media, politics, law, education, and religious institutions. Research in this focus engages with critical discourse analysis, public communication ethics, hate speech, media literacy, and the role of language in conflict resolution and peacebuilding. Through this lens, Langkawi promotes responsible, ethical communication practices that contribute to social cohesion and institutional integrity.

Language, Culture, and Literature

SDG 11 — Sustainable Cities and Communities
This focus positions language and literature as key resources for preserving collective memory, cultural values, and local identities. It includes studies on local and traditional literatures, cultural narratives, and their interactions with processes of globalization. By emphasizing cultural sustainability and community-based narratives, Langkawi supports the preservation of local identities and the development of resilient and sustainable communities in the face of global challenges.

Through its five core foci, Langkawi positions itself as an interdisciplinary journal that bridges linguistics, education, digital technology, discourse, and cultural studies while aligning its scholarly orientation with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The journal contributes to SDG 4 (Quality Education) by promoting inclusive, multilingual, and culturally responsive pedagogical practices that enhance equitable access to learning. Its focus on language and digital technology supports SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure) by examining how innovations such as digital platforms, artificial intelligence, and online learning environments reshape linguistic practices and knowledge production.

By foregrounding language, identity, and social inclusion, Langkawi advances SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities) through empowering marginalized and underrepresented communities to sustain their linguistic and cultural resources. Moreover, its engagement with language, discourse, and public ethics contributes to SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions) by fostering critical awareness, ethical communication, and constructive dialogue within public and institutional spaces. Finally, through its focus on language, culture, and literature, Langkawi supports SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) by highlighting literary and cultural narratives that preserve local identities and strengthen community resilience amid global transformations.