Appeals and Complaints Policy

The Journal of Linguistics, Literature and Language Teaching (JLLLT) is committed to conducting its editorial and publication processes fairly, transparently, and consistently. The journal provides authors and other relevant parties with a mechanism to raise legitimate appeals and complaints concerning editorial decisions or the conduct of the publication process.

JLLLT handles appeals and complaints objectively, confidentially, and without discrimination or retaliation.

1. Appeals Against Editorial Decisions

Authors may appeal an editorial decision when they believe that the decision was based on:

a significant misunderstanding of the manuscript;
a factual or methodological error in the review;
a demonstrable failure to consider relevant information;
a substantial procedural irregularity; or
other compelling grounds that could reasonably affect the editorial decision.

An appeal should not be based solely on disagreement with the reviewers' academic opinions.

2. How to Submit an Appeal

An appeal should be submitted to the Editorial Office by the Corresponding Author.

The appeal should include:

the manuscript title;
manuscript identification number;
the original editorial decision;
a clear explanation of the grounds for appeal;
specific responses to the issues raised by the editor or reviewers; and
supporting information or evidence where applicable.

Appeals should be submitted within a reasonable period after the editorial decision.

3. Appeal Review Process

Appeals are considered by the Editor-in-Chief or an editor who was not directly responsible for the original decision, where practicable.

The editor may:

review the manuscript and editorial history;
reconsider the reviewers' comments;
seek clarification from the original reviewers;
invite an additional independent reviewer; or
consult members of the Editorial Board or an appropriate subject specialist.

The purpose of an appeal is to determine whether the original editorial decision was reached through an appropriate and fair process.

4. Finality of Editorial Decisions

An appeal does not guarantee reversal of the original decision.

The Editor-in-Chief will make the final decision on an appeal after considering the available evidence and relevant editorial procedures.

The journal will not normally consider repeated appeals based on the same grounds after a final appeal decision has been issued.

5. Complaints

Complaints may concern the conduct or administration of the editorial and publication process, including:

inappropriate editorial conduct;
reviewer misconduct;
conflicts of interest;
breaches of confidentiality;
unreasonable delays;
authorship disputes;
publication ethics concerns;
plagiarism or other research misconduct;
concerns regarding the handling of personal or confidential information;
suspected breaches of the journal's editorial policies.

Complaints concerning research misconduct may also be referred to the authors' institution or other appropriate organization where necessary.

6. Submitting a Complaint

Complaints should be submitted to the Editorial Office through the journal's official contact channel.

The complaint should provide sufficient information to allow the Editorial Team to understand and investigate the matter, including the manuscript identification number where applicable and relevant supporting documentation.

Complaints should be presented in a professional and factual manner.

7. Handling of Complaints

Complaints will be assessed as promptly as reasonably possible.

Where a complaint concerns an editor who is directly involved in the matter, the complaint will be handled by another appropriate member of the Editorial Team or by the Editor-in-Chief.

Where a complaint concerns the Editor-in-Chief, the publisher or an appropriate senior editorial representative may be involved in the investigation.

The person who is the subject of a complaint should not be solely responsible for investigating or deciding the complaint.

8. Confidentiality and Protection from Retaliation

JLLLT will treat appeals and complaints confidentially to the extent reasonably possible.

The journal will not tolerate retaliation against authors, reviewers, editors, or other individuals who raise a legitimate concern or complaint in good faith.

Information may be disclosed to relevant individuals or institutions when necessary to conduct a fair investigation or comply with legal or ethical obligations.

9. Conflicts of Interest

Individuals involved in handling an appeal or complaint must disclose any relevant conflict of interest and, where appropriate, recuse themselves from the process.

The journal will take reasonable steps to ensure that appeals and complaints are handled independently and fairly.

10. Complaints Concerning Research Misconduct

Where a complaint raises concerns about plagiarism, fabrication, falsification, unethical research, authorship misconduct, duplicate publication, or other forms of research misconduct, JLLLT will follow its Publication Ethics, Plagiarism and Retraction Policy, Human Research Ethics Policy, and Retraction, Withdrawal and Removal Policy, as applicable.

The journal may request clarification or supporting documentation from the authors and may contact the relevant institution, ethics committee, funding agency, or other appropriate body when necessary.

11. Complaints Concerning Reviewers

Concerns about reviewer conduct, including breaches of confidentiality, inappropriate comments, conflicts of interest, or misuse of unpublished information, should be reported to the Editorial Office.

The Editorial Team will assess the complaint and may take appropriate action, including excluding the reviewer from future assignments.

12. Complaints Concerning Editorial Delays

The journal aims to process manuscripts within the timeframes stated in its Peer Review Process policy.

Where an author believes that an unreasonable delay has occurred, the Corresponding Author may contact the Editorial Office.

The Editorial Team will review the status of the manuscript and provide an appropriate response where possible.

13. Unresolved Complaints

If a complaint cannot be resolved through the journal's internal procedures, the matter may be referred to the publisher or another appropriate independent body, depending on the nature of the complaint.

Where applicable, JLLLT will follow relevant recommendations of the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE).

14. Compliance

JLLLT is committed to handling appeals and complaints fairly, objectively, and transparently while protecting the confidentiality of all parties involved.

The existence of an appeal or complaint does not automatically suspend the publication process unless the Editorial Team determines that suspension is necessary.

Editorial actions arising from appeals or complaints will be documented appropriately and handled in accordance with the journal's applicable editorial and publication ethics policies.

Contact

Appeals and complaints should be directed to the JLLLT Editorial Office through the journal's official contact page.