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. 2023 Feb;40(1):6-13.
doi: 10.1177/14550725221102227. Epub 2022 Jun 20.

Exclusion of the non-English-speaking world from the scientific literature: Recommendations for change for addiction journals and publishers

Anees Bahji  1 , Laura Acion  2 , Anne-Marie Laslett  3 , Bryon Adinoff  4
Affiliations

Exclusion of the non-English-speaking world from the scientific literature: Recommendations for change for addiction journals and publishers

Anees Bahji et al. Nordisk Alkohol Nark. 2023 Feb.

Abstract

Background: While English is only the native language of 7.3% of the world's population and less than 20% can speak the language, nearly 75% of all scientific publications are English. Aim: To describe how and why scientific contributions from the non-English-speaking world have been excluded from addiction literature, and put forward suggestions for making this literature more accessible to the non-English-speaking population. Methods: A working group of the International Society of Addiction Journal Editors (ISAJE) conducted an iterative review of issues related to scientific publishing from the non-English-speaking world. Findings: We discuss several issues stemming from the predominance of English in the scientific addiction literature, including historical drivers, why this matters, and proposed solutions, focusing on the increased availability of translation services. Conclusion: The addition of non-English-speaking authors, editorial team members, and journals will increase the value, impact, and transparency of research findings and increase the accountability and inclusivity of scientific publications.

Keywords: addiction linguistics; diversity; language; publication; scientific discourse.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declared the following potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article: Dr. Bahji’s work was supported by research grants from the National Institutes of Health/National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) through the International Collaborative Addiction Medicine Research Fellowship (R25-DA037756) and the Research in Addiction Medicine Scholars Program (R25-DA033211). However, the content is solely the authors’ responsibility and does not necessarily represent the official views of NIDA. We would like to thank the International Society of Addiction Journal Editors (ISAJE) for their guidance and support of this project throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

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