Words From the Depths of Truth: Multilingual Publishing

“Where words come out from the depths of truth”– Rabindranath Tagore in the poem “Where the mind is without fear”

This article continues on the theme of publishing and reviewing research across language barriers for International Mother Language Day.

In an increasingly interconnected research ecosystem, the ability to publish high-impact research often depends on navigating language barriers effectively. The challenge is ensuring that great research is seen, cited, and recognized globally. The future is likely not going to be one of English linguistic dominance, but in fact, one of a multilingual research exchange that can occur seamlessly, without artificial boundaries.

Limitations of the English Language

The linguistic dominance of the English language creates inequities:

• Non-native English-speaking researchers face additional hurdles in manuscript preparation, peer review, and revision.
• Language proficiency can influence editorial decisions, even when the underlying science is robust.

The result? A structural imbalance where linguistic fluency may shape research visibility as much as scientific merit.

High-Impact Research Needs a Multilingual Outlet

As we envision a future in which language is no longer a prerequisite for research communication, platforms that are multilingual will be at a greater advantage in reaching out across geographies and cultures. While there are journals in various local and regional languages, these have limited global visibility in the current setup.

Local-language journals often publish studies that are:

• Deeply contextualized to regional challenges
• Highly relevant to public health and policy
• Methodologically rigorous

It is important to recognize that language does not determine scientific value. However, in practical terms, language can influence impact metrics, international collaborations, and funding opportunities.

Strategies for Publishing Across Language Barriers

For researchers seeking to publish high-impact work internationally, strategic planning can make a significant difference.

1. Use Visually Impactful Graphical Abstracts

Simplicity strengthens credibility. In a world where we aim to dissolve language barriers to research dissemination, graphical abstracts are key. Getting your message across with a clear, succinct and eye-catching visual can go a long way in bridging the gap!

2. Seek Out in Professional Language Support

Pre-submission language editing or scientific editing can:

• Improve clarity and flow
• Reduce the risk of desk rejection
• Strengthen rebuttal letters during revision

For many researchers, editorial support is not about “polishing” weak science but about ensuring that strong science is communicated effectively.

3. Leverage Multilingual Abstracts

Some journals encourage or allow abstracts in multiple languages. Providing a native-language abstract alongside an English version increases local accessibility while maintaining international reach.

4. Collaborate Internationally

Collaborating with researchers from different linguistic backgrounds can enhance manuscript quality and global perspective. Such collaborations often improve methodological rigor and expand readership.

5. Use AI Tools to Expand Reach

AI-based translation and writing tools are increasingly common in academic workflows. When used responsibly and disclosed according to journal policies, they can leverage your research in a global setting.

Thoughts to Ponder:

In the end, communication is an ever-evolving area in research. The future may be quite different with fewer barriers and more opportunities for sharing research with a global audience. Language dominance may also become less biased towards English. In fact, going forward, it would be a valuable skill for all researchers, whether Native or Non-native English speakers, to learn ways in which they can make their research accessible to as wide an audience as possible to enable exponential sharing of knowledge, exchange of ideas and foster collaborations.

To read about how peer review can evolve in a multilingual context, read the sister article: International Mother Language Day: Rethinking Peer Review | Editage Insights.