Call for Papers - 2026 Special Issue / Appel à contributions - Numéro spécial 2026

2025-10-10

Call for Papers - 2026 Special Issue / Appel à contributions - Numéro spécial 2026

The Canadian Journal of Applied Linguistics / La Revue canadienne de linguistique appliquée (CJAL/RCLA)

Second Language Vocabulary: Current Issues and Developments

Guest editors: Geoffrey G. Pinchbeck & Brian Strong, [SLALS, Carleton University]

Vocabulary knowledge remains a cornerstone of second language (L2) learning, central to achieving communicative competence and overall proficiency. The field of L2 vocabulary studies is characterized by its dynamic evolution, constantly generating new research questions, and fostering innovative methodologies for teaching, learning, and assessment. To capture these ongoing developments and stimulate further discussion, this Special Issue of the CJAL/RCLA invites manuscript submissions. We welcome contributions addressing areas including (but not restricted to):

Incidental vs. Intentional Vocabulary Learning

Vocabulary Acquisition from Reading and Listening

Formulaic Language and Multiword Units

The Use and Limitations of Word Lists

L1 Influence on L2 Vocabulary Development

Technology-Assisted Vocabulary Learning

Corpus-Based Approaches to Vocabulary Instruction

Vocabulary Knowledge Assessment

Vocabulary in Spoken vs. Written Registers

Lexical Input Enhancement Techniques

Vocabulary and Reading Comprehension

Vocabulary in Task-Based Language Teaching (TBLT)

Second Language Vocabulary Attrition and Retention

Vocabulary Development in Young Learners

Multilingual Learners’ Vocabulary Development

Word Learning Strategies and Metacognition

Lexical Richness and Learner Writing

Lexical Access and Fluency in L2 Speaking

Morphological Awareness and Vocabulary Growth

Sociocultural Perspectives on Vocabulary Learning

Vocabulary development in diverse educational and community settings.

We are accepting full-length articles (max 10,000 words, including references, tables, and figures). For these articles, both empirical studies and theoretical discussions will be considered. For more information on guidelines for authors see https://journals.lib.unb.ca/index.php/CJAL/about/submissions

Interested authors should send an abstract (max 300 words) for their proposed articles to geoff.pinchbeck@carleton.ca no later than December 1, 2025. Please include the full name and affiliation for all authors in your email and/or abstract document. The proposal will be assessed for its suitability for the special issue by January 12, 2026. Authors of accepted abstracts will be invited to submit a full manuscript for peer review by May 15, 2025.

If you have any questions, please contact the Guest Editors at geoff.pinchbeck@carleton.ca