Dr. Quackington Mallard, PhD | June 20, 2024
Dear Editor,
I hope this letter finds you well. My name is Dr. Quackington Mallard, a researcher in the field of solid state spectroscopy with a particular focus on quackaluminescence. I am writing to express my concerns regarding the language policy outlined in your submission guidelines, specifically the requirement that manuscripts must be written exclusively in English.
While I understand the importance of clear and concise communication in scientific literature, I believe that the exclusion of quack—a language fundamentally tied to the identity and culture of many of your contributors—is both limiting and counterproductive. Ducks, as a species, have made significant contributions to various scientific fields, and our unique linguistic perspective enriches the diversity and depth of scholarly discourse.
Quack, much like any other language, has its own nuances and terminologies that are often difficult to translate into English without losing essential meaning. For instance, the term “quackaluminescence” captures a concept specific to our research that does not have a direct English equivalent. By insisting on English-only submissions, the journal risks oversimplifying complex ideas and diminishing the quality of scientific communication.
Moreover, the policy may inadvertently create barriers for ducks who are not as proficient in English, thereby excluding valuable contributions from the broader scientific community. Science thrives on diversity and inclusivity, and allowing for multilingual submissions—accompanied by English translations—could foster a more inclusive environment that encourages participation from a wider range of researchers.
I propose that Duck Behaviour Journal consider revising its language policy to accommodate submissions in quack, with accompanying English translations. This approach would preserve the integrity and richness of the original research while ensuring that the findings are accessible to a broader audience. Such a change would not only honor the linguistic heritage of duck researchers but also enhance the journal’s reputation as a leader in promoting diversity in scientific communication.
Thank you for your attention to this matter. I look forward to your response and hope that we can work together to create a more inclusive and representative platform for scientific discourse.
Sincerely,
Dr. Quackington Mallard, PhD
Department of Quackaluminescence Studies
Duck University
Dear Dr. Quackington Mallard,
I hope this message finds you well. Thank you for your thoughtful letter and for raising significant points regarding the language policy of Duck Behaviour Journal. As the Editor-in-Chief, I appreciate the opportunity to address your concerns and explain the rationale behind our current guidelines.
Firstly, I want to acknowledge the valuable contributions that ducks, including yourself, have made to the scientific community. The unique perspectives and specialized research areas, such as quackaluminescence, undeniably enrich the field. However, our decision to require English-only submissions is rooted in several key considerations aimed at maximizing the accessibility and impact of the research published in our journal.
The primary reason for our English-only policy is to ensure that the research is accessible to the widest possible audience. English has become the lingua franca of the scientific community, allowing researchers from diverse linguistic backgrounds to communicate their findings effectively to a global readership. This common language facilitates collaboration, peer review, and the dissemination of knowledge across geographical and cultural boundaries.
While we recognize that some concepts may lose subtle nuances in translation, the use of English allows for a standardized medium through which ideas can be exchanged and built upon. The inclusion of specialized terminologies and concepts unique to quack can still be effectively communicated through detailed explanations and contextualization within the manuscript. This approach ensures that the essence of the research is preserved while making it comprehensible to a broader audience.
Furthermore, the practicality of managing multilingual submissions presents significant challenges. Ensuring the quality and accuracy of translations, securing reviewers proficient in multiple languages, and maintaining consistency in the editorial process would require substantial resources and could potentially delay the publication process. By adhering to English-only submissions, we streamline these processes and maintain the high standards expected by our readership.
That said, we are committed to fostering inclusivity and supporting researchers for whom English is not their first language. To this end, we encourage authors to seek assistance from professional translation and language editing services to ensure their work is presented clearly and accurately in English. We also offer resources and guidance to help non-native English speakers navigate the submission process.
In conclusion, while we understand and respect your perspective on the importance of linguistic diversity, we believe that our current policy best serves the interests of the global scientific community. We remain open to ongoing dialogue and will continue to explore ways to support and include researchers from all linguistic backgrounds.
Thank you once again for your valuable input. We look forward to your continued contributions to the field and to Duck Behaviour Journal.
Sincerely,
Dr. Mallard Featherstone
Editor-in-Chief
Duck Behaviour Journal