Research spearheaded by the University of Queensland has highlighted the pronounced linguistic obstacles that confront scientists who are not fluent in English. These barriers contribute to delays in various professional activities and a higher likelihood of academic paper rejections. The implications extend to decreased attendance at scientific conferences and premature departures from careers in science, resulting in notable setbacks to worldwide scientific advancements. Source: The University of Queensland
The study, under the guidance of Dr. Tatsuya Amano from the University of Queensland, examined responses from 908 scholars in the field of environmental science. The survey scrutinized five key academic operations: reading, writing, publishing, dissemination of research, and participation in conferences. In each of these dimensions, non-native English speakers were found to be at a considerable disadvantage.
Dr. Amano observed that non-native English speakers require up to double the time to complete these scholarly activities. Furthermore, their academic papers face a rejection rate 2.5 times higher and require 12.5 times more revisions compared to those of native English speakers. “Such challenges place non-native English speakers at a uniquely acute disadvantage, especially given the existing stress associated with academic publishing. Our findings also revealed that one-third abstain from attending, and half refrain from presenting at, international conferences due to inadequate confidence in English proficiency. This further stymies the development of professional networks and hampers career growth,” stated Dr. Amano.
The research team has expressed concern that these linguistic barriers may be a significant factor driving non-native English speakers to leave their scientific careers prematurely. “This issue not only raises questions about equitable opportunities within academia but also signifies an enormous loss to the scientific community at large,” said Dr. Amano. “The impediment effectively eliminates contributions from a large demographic solely on the basis of language, which is a grave concern.”
The researchers emphasized that leveraging the capabilities of communities facing such disadvantages is an immediate priority for the scientific field. “Collaborative efforts that encompass a diverse array of individuals yield more effective problem-solving and elevate the impact and innovation in science,” Dr. Amano commented. “Given pressing global issues like climate change and biodiversity loss, it is more crucial than ever to engage a variety of perspectives, knowledge systems, and solutions.”
To address the growing issue, the international collaborative project has recommended several avenues for improvement within the scientific community. “A multitude of steps can be taken to aid non-native English speakers, ranging from financial and logistical assistance to emotional support, especially if you are in a supervisory role,” advised Dr. Amano. “Institutions should be more conscientious in recognizing these challenges when evaluating performance. Moreover, academic journals, as custodians of scientific progress, need to adopt more proactive measures, such as providing complimentary language editing services and generally promoting the multilingual character of science. The archaic notion that fluency in English is a prerequisite for academic success must be abandoned so that talent from all corners of the globe can flourish in the academic world.”
Reference: “The manifold costs of being a non-native English speaker in science” by Tatsuya Amano, Valeria Ramírez-Castañeda, Violeta Berdejo-Espinola, Israel Borokini, Shawan Chowdhury, Marina Golivets, Juan David González-Trujillo, Flavia Montaño-Centellas, Kumar Paudel, Rachel Louise White and Diogo Veríssimo, published on 18 July 2023 in PLOS Biology.
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.3002184
Table of Contents
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about language barriers in science
What is the main focus of the study led by the University of Queensland?
The study primarily aims to understand the impact of language barriers on non-native English-speaking scientists. It explores how these barriers affect academic activities, paper publication rates, and conference participation.
Who led the research and how many researchers participated in the survey?
The research was led by Dr. Tatsuya Amano from the University of Queensland. The survey involved a total of 908 environmental science researchers.
What academic activities were examined in the study?
The study scrutinized five key academic operations: reading, writing, publishing, dissemination of research, and conference participation.
What were the notable findings regarding the time required for academic activities?
The findings revealed that non-native English speakers need up to twice as much time to conduct these scholarly activities compared to native English speakers.
How does language proficiency affect paper publication and revision?
The study found that papers from non-native English speakers are rejected 2.5 times more often and require 12.5 times more revisions than those submitted by native English speakers.
How does the language barrier impact conference participation?
One-third of non-native English speakers abstain from attending and half refrain from presenting at international conferences due to inadequate confidence in English proficiency.
What are the broader implications of these language barriers?
These language barriers not only question equitable opportunities within academia but also signify a substantial loss to the scientific community at large, by potentially eliminating contributions from a large demographic.
What solutions does the study propose to address these challenges?
The study recommends financial, logistical, and emotional support for non-native English speakers, particularly from supervisors. It also advises academic journals and institutions to be more conscientious in recognizing these challenges, for example, by offering free language editing services.
More about language barriers in science
- Study Publication in PLOS Biology
- The University of Queensland’s Research Department
- Dr. Tatsuya Amano’s Academic Profile
- Overview of Language Barriers in Science
- Importance of Diversity in Scientific Research
- Global Challenges in Scientific Publishing
5 comments
as a non-native English speaker, I can totally relate. The extra time and effort to get papers published is draining. It’s time for a change, people!
This is something institutions really need to consider. Diversity in thought and experience brings about the best solutions. Why limit ourselves?
Wow, this study is an eye-opener. Really makes you think about the invisible walls we’ve built in the scientific community. Why haven’t we tackled this issue sooner?
I’m not surprised, but still, the stats are shocking. The scientific community needs to level the playing field. Like, yesterday!
Gotta say, Dr. Amano is onto something big here. It’s about time we broke the mold and made science truly global. Everyone should have a fair shot.