Research Article

Adapting to an English-Dominated Academia: Challenges, Strategies, and Institutional Gaps Among Turkish Scholars

Volume: 36 Number: 1 January 19, 2026
TR EN

Adapting to an English-Dominated Academia: Challenges, Strategies, and Institutional Gaps Among Turkish Scholars

Abstract

English-language publishing continues to present significant challenges for non-native English-speaking scholars, particularly those from underrepresented regions such as Turkey. This qualitative study explores the experiences of Turkish academics in publishing research articles in English, focusing on the linguistic, structural, and institutional barriers they encounter. Using a phenomenological research design, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 20 scholars across various disciplines. Thematic analysis revealed key challenges including language-related difficulties, the financial burden of translation and proofreading services, and perceived bias in peer review—often prioritizing linguistic accuracy over content quality. Participants reported relying on informal peer networks, AI-assisted writing tools, and professional editing services to meet international publishing standards. However, these solutions were often insufficient or financially inaccessible, highlighting deeper systemic inequities. The study also found inadequate institutional support for academic writing development, leaving scholars to navigate the publication process independently. These findings underscore the need for systemic reforms in academic publishing—namely, greater institutional support, inclusive editorial practices, and recognition of linguistic diversity. Addressing these gaps is essential for building a more equitable publishing landscape where research is evaluated on scholarly merit rather than linguistic proficiency.

Keywords

References

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Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

English As A Second Language

Journal Section

Research Article

Early Pub Date

December 2, 2025

Publication Date

January 19, 2026

Submission Date

May 12, 2025

Acceptance Date

November 19, 2025

Published in Issue

Year 2026 Volume: 36 Number: 1

APA
Selvi, B., & Aldim, Ü. F. (2026). Adapting to an English-Dominated Academia: Challenges, Strategies, and Institutional Gaps Among Turkish Scholars. Firat University Journal of Social Sciences, 36(1), 397-414. https://doi.org/10.18069/firatsbed.1697645
AMA
1.Selvi B, Aldim ÜF. Adapting to an English-Dominated Academia: Challenges, Strategies, and Institutional Gaps Among Turkish Scholars. Firat University Journal of Social Sciences. 2026;36(1):397-414. doi:10.18069/firatsbed.1697645
Chicago
Selvi, Batuhan, and Ümit Ferit Aldim. 2026. “Adapting to an English-Dominated Academia: Challenges, Strategies, and Institutional Gaps Among Turkish Scholars”. Firat University Journal of Social Sciences 36 (1): 397-414. https://doi.org/10.18069/firatsbed.1697645.
EndNote
Selvi B, Aldim ÜF (January 1, 2026) Adapting to an English-Dominated Academia: Challenges, Strategies, and Institutional Gaps Among Turkish Scholars. Firat University Journal of Social Sciences 36 1 397–414.
IEEE
[1]B. Selvi and Ü. F. Aldim, “Adapting to an English-Dominated Academia: Challenges, Strategies, and Institutional Gaps Among Turkish Scholars”, Firat University Journal of Social Sciences, vol. 36, no. 1, pp. 397–414, Jan. 2026, doi: 10.18069/firatsbed.1697645.
ISNAD
Selvi, Batuhan - Aldim, Ümit Ferit. “Adapting to an English-Dominated Academia: Challenges, Strategies, and Institutional Gaps Among Turkish Scholars”. Firat University Journal of Social Sciences 36/1 (January 1, 2026): 397-414. https://doi.org/10.18069/firatsbed.1697645.
JAMA
1.Selvi B, Aldim ÜF. Adapting to an English-Dominated Academia: Challenges, Strategies, and Institutional Gaps Among Turkish Scholars. Firat University Journal of Social Sciences. 2026;36:397–414.
MLA
Selvi, Batuhan, and Ümit Ferit Aldim. “Adapting to an English-Dominated Academia: Challenges, Strategies, and Institutional Gaps Among Turkish Scholars”. Firat University Journal of Social Sciences, vol. 36, no. 1, Jan. 2026, pp. 397-14, doi:10.18069/firatsbed.1697645.
Vancouver
1.Batuhan Selvi, Ümit Ferit Aldim. Adapting to an English-Dominated Academia: Challenges, Strategies, and Institutional Gaps Among Turkish Scholars. Firat University Journal of Social Sciences. 2026 Jan. 1;36(1):397-414. doi:10.18069/firatsbed.1697645