The Journal of English Language Teaching, Literature, and Applied Linguistics (JELA) recognizes the potential benefits of artificial intelligence (AI) in academic research and scholarly publishing. This policy establishes guidelines for the responsible, transparent, and ethical use of AI-assisted technologies in accordance with the principles of the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE).
Authors may use AI tools, including ChatGPT, Gemini, Claude, Grammarly, and similar technologies, for language improvement, grammar checking, reference formatting, preliminary literature searches, and research assistance, provided that all outputs are independently verified.
AI tools must not be used to:
Fabricate or falsify research data, references, images, or findings.
Generate misleading scientific content or plagiarize existing publications.
Replace independent scholarly judgment and critical analysis.
Disclose confidential research information or identifiable student and participant data without appropriate authorization.
Produce substantial manuscript content without appropriate human verification and disclosure.
AI Writing Detection: Journal of English Language Teaching, Literature, and Applied Linguistics (JELA) adopts a maximum AI writing detection score of 20%, as assessed using Turnitin. However, AI detection results must not serve as the sole basis for determining misconduct or rejecting manuscripts. All concerns require human editorial assessment and appropriate author clarification.
Authors remain fully responsible for the accuracy, originality, integrity, and ethical compliance of all submitted content.
AI tools cannot be listed as authors or co-authors.
Authors must disclose substantive AI use, including the tool's name, version (if available), purpose, and extent of use. Relevant disclosures should appear in the Methods, Acknowledgments, or a dedicated Declaration of AI Tool Usage section.
Suggested Declaration:
"During the preparation of this manuscript, the authors used [AI tool name and provider] for [specific purpose]. All AI-assisted content was critically reviewed and verified by the authors, who take full responsibility for the accuracy and integrity of the manuscript."
Editors and reviewers must maintain manuscript confidentiality and must not upload unpublished manuscripts or confidential materials to unauthorized AI platforms.
AI must not independently conduct peer reviews or make editorial decisions. Final evaluations and publication decisions remain the responsibility of qualified human editors and reviewers.
Suspected misuse or undisclosed use of AI may result in requests for clarification, manuscript revision, rejection, or appropriate post-publication actions, including corrections or retractions.
Authors may appeal AI-related editorial decisions by submitting a written explanation and supporting evidence to the Editor-in-Chief. All cases will be assessed fairly in accordance with the journal's publication ethics policies.
