Why You Should Write for a Global Audience: Academic Writing Simplified for Non-Western Researchers

Research publication is a challenging process, and publishing in top-tier journals can be much more challenging for non-native researchers than native English researchers. A qualitive analysis of how non-native writers face unique challenges [1] highlights what authors need to be mindful of to avoid rejections when submitting to reputed journals.  

But the question is not only about the language, although writing challenges are one of the key reasons for problems in research publication. Many authors experience desk rejection because of the chosen research topic failing to address a global audience [2]. This blog explores how non-native researchers can navigate the challenges of academic publishing in non-western contexts. 

Challenges Faced by Non-Native Authors

Solutions for Improved Academic Writing 

Challenges Faced by Non-Native Authors

1. Cultural differences

Writing styles of authors are deep-rooted in their cultural backgrounds. No, it is not only the lack of expertise in English language. It is also how researchers present and organize content in their manuscript and how they navigate the complex submission system.  

For instance, researchers from Asia could be less confident of critiquing previously published works during literature review out of respect to those authors. This lack of confidence bleeds into the structure and organization of the paper, language and tone, and the grammatical nuances, placing them at a slight disadvantage as compared to the more confident native English authors. 

When it comes to managing the submission process, researchers need to deal with cover letter preparation, responses to peer reviewer comments, and constant communication with the journal editor if they are the designated corresponding author for the research paper. In all these stages, native authors have an edge over non-native researchers owing to their familiarity with the western culture and awareness of the publication standards of international journals. 

2. Regional bias

The choice of research topic is key for a successful publication. Researchers from Africa, Asia, and other non-western countries identify better with local problems and aim to find solutions that are more regionally suited. This geographical bias could work against them as high impact factor international journals might not consider the research topic suitable for a global audience. 

Some researchers believe that a study conducted abroad could be perceived as one that provides novel insights to a highly repeated research topic. But these could be tagged as duplicate studies by journals, leading to rejections. 

3. Lack of English references

Non-native researchers are often more comfortable conducting literature reviews of research papers published in regional journals. Their familiarity with the language makes it easier for them to analyze the reported findings. However, when publishing in international journals, editors and reviewers may be skeptic about having too many references to regional research papers. This is because literature reviews should include works that a wider audience is likely to be aware of to provide proper rationale and justification for initiating the study. 

4. Poor communication skills

At times, important research findings fail to find exposure simply because researchers are unable to present the findings effectively. Written communication differs significantly from oral communication [3]. Differentiating between formal and informal language, using correct tenses, and ensuring accurate grammatical syntax often comes naturally to native researchers. 

However, non-native researchers must consciously practice this and understand the nuances of writing, especially considering the context of academic and scientific writing. In addition to authoring research papers, building communication skills helps researchers better navigate the submission process through improved correspondence with journal editors and peer reviewers. 

5. Peer reviewer prejudice

Several non-native authors have faced bias from peer reviewers because of their identities, which has been predominantly observed for manuscripts authored by researchers from Asia [4]. Some peer reviewers tend to form opinions about an author’s writing based on their own previous experiences, disregarding objective evaluation of research papers. 

This type of subjective assessment could be detrimental for non-native researchers, especially those in their early and intermediate career stages, looking to publish in high impact factor journals.  

Solutions for Improved Academic Writing

Being aware of these challenges is the first step for non-native researchers to move towards identifying solutions. So, what can help researchers tackle these writing challenges and ensure a successful publication in a top-tier journal?  

1. Using professional English editing services

It is always good to utilize the expertise of professional English editing services like Editage to get a journal-ready research manuscript. This can especially benefit non-native researchers since subject matter experts and qualified reviewers evaluate research papers by adhering to the high standards of international journals. 

From language enhancements, grammar corrections, and manuscript formatting to journal selection, plagiarism checks, and artwork formatting, you will receive end-to-end support for smoothly navigating your research publishing journey. As researchers, you can make the most of Editage’s subject matter experts and scientific editors or select suitable artificial intelligence (AI) solutions depending on your needs. 

2. Identifying local problems, offering global solutions

Selecting a research topic specific to a reginal problem is alright, but ensure that your conclusions are applicable on a global scale. Your research findings should be interpreted broadly and not limited to implications that benefit a particular region. 

For example, if your study researched climate changes in the Asian subcontinent and explored novel approaches to mitigate the damage, highlight how these approaches can also be adapted to the rest of the world. How does your research framework fit into the existing policies that can benefit the climate crisis faces globally? Addressing queries like these ensures that your study remains relevant to a wider target audience. 

3. Referencing relevant literature

When conducting a literature review, go beyond research papers that are published in regional journals. Expand your search and recognize high-quality research papers that offer sufficient scientific evidence. Cite latest literature on the selected research topic to ensure currency and relevancy of the data shared. 

4. Practicing better communication

Make writing in English a regular habit and avoid considering it as a “chore” to be completed during research paper submissions. If possible, attend workshops that help you connect with peers who are also working on improving their communication skills. Take English writing courses that can help you develop writing skills. Cultivate the habit of writing emails and letters in English, especially in a formal setting.  

Attend conferences even if you have no intention of presenting and learn by watching how other researchers communicate. Conferences and poster presentations give you an opportunity to discover how scientific findings can be presented in different formats in addition to written content. 

5. Choosing  anonymized peer review process

If you are concerned about peer reviewer biases, check if your target journal offers double-anonymized peer reviews. You may even choose to identify potential reviewers for your submission in your cover letter or even mention reviewers to exclude citing conflicting interests. 

References 

1. Challenges Faced by Non-Native Writers In Publishing Papers in Reputed English Language Journals https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Intakhab-Khan-2/publication/346653698_CHALLENGES_FACED_BY_NON_-NATIVE_WRITERS_IN_PUBLISHING_PAPERS_IN_REPUTED_ENGLISH_LANGUAGE_JOURNALS_PJAEE_17_4_2020/links/5fcdfde245851568d146a4c0/CHALLENGES-FACED-BY-NON-NATIVE-WRITERS-IN-PUBLISHING-PAPERS-IN-REPUTED-ENGLISH-LANGUAGE-JOURNALS-PJAEE-17-4-2020.pdf 

2. Challenges and strategies for writing to a global audience from a local context https://risingscholars.net/en/news/details/1774/ 

3. Spoken versus written communication https://pressbooks.montgomerycollege.edu/proactivethinker1/chapter/spoken-versus-written-communication/ 

4. Addressing bias against non-native English-speaking researchers in scientific publishing https://goel.medium.com/addressing-bias-against-non-native-english-speaking-researchers-in-scientific-publishing-204c82e5274b 

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