Epistemic divides in scholarly publishing in applied linguistics: Multilingual possibilities versus monolingual realities in postcolonial Bangladesh

Abstract

The ongoing movement in applied linguistics towards decolonisation and dehegemonisation demands that we acknowledge multilingualism and comprehend how marginalised multilingual researchers are excluded from global knowledge creation. In light of this, this qualitative study investigates the realities and lived experiences of applied linguistics and English language teaching (ELT) scholars in Bangladesh. Research participants include 14 applied linguistics and ELT academics who publish in national and international journals as well as on other platforms. The data analysis shows that English is the preferred language for academic publications among multilingual Bangladeshi applied linguistics and ELT academics. The acceptance and status of Scopus-indexed journals in academic avenues, policies, and practices for academic advancement and promotion based on publications in English and a fixation with the English language seem to be the main reasons for their preferences. Furthermore, despite their admiration for Bangla as a national language, they do not recognise it as a medium for scientific publications. However, they are aware that their scholarly publications in English do not have much impact on the local educational and social development or linguistic justice and equity in Bangladeshi society. The paper concludes that only when multilingualism is accepted within the circuits of knowledge production and only when workable ways are identified to invite policymakers, university authorities, educators and researchers to pursue more fruitful cooperation between the Global North and South, linguistic and epistemic inclusion and transformation of the ontology and epistemology of applied linguistics will be possible.