Critical Perspective

This category is dedicated to articles that present a well-reasoned, evidence-based position on topics of current relevance in science, with clear implications or potential impact for Linguistics and its interfaces. Critical Perspectives may address emerging scientific debates, methodological innovations, policy developments, or broader socio-scientific issues that directly or indirectly influence linguistic research, practice, and theory — including those that are often neglected or controversial.

Personal critique and positioning are valued, meaning authors are encouraged to clearly state and defend their own perspective. However, a Critical Perspective must go beyond simply stating a personal opinion: it should transform that perspective into a well-founded academic argument, grounded in relevant literature, empirical evidence, and/or established theoretical frameworks. Peer reviewers will assess only the quality, coherence, and relevance of the argument, not whether they agree with the author’s conclusions. While the focus is on argumentation and synthesis rather than the presentation of new empirical data, authors may draw on their own research or professional experience when relevant, and may include original data when justified and methodologically sound, provided these are transparently documented and referenced.

A Critical Perspective should engage critically with relevant literature, empirical evidence, or established theoretical frameworks, articulating a position that is analytically sound and supported by verifiable sources. Authors are encouraged to situate their argument in the context of recent developments, identify gaps or challenges, and highlight possible paths forward for research, policy, or practice.

The writing should be accessible to readers across subfields of Linguistics, avoiding unnecessary jargon while maintaining academic rigor. Typical contributions will:

• Clearly state the central position or thesis early in the text.

• Provide a critical and balanced analysis of the topic, recognizing complexity and multiple perspectives.

• Draw explicit connections between the topic and its implications for Linguistics and related fields.

• Suggest constructive directions for research, practice, or policy.

Figures, tables, and supplementary materials may be included when they enhance clarity or strengthen the argument. As with all submissions to Cadernos de Linguística, manuscripts must adhere to the journal’s open science policies, ethical standards, and transparency requirements, including preprint deposition and disclosure of conflicts of interest.

By creating space for reflective, well-argued, and timely contributions, the Critical Perspective category serves as a bridge between disciplinary scholarship and wider scientific discourse, encouraging informed debate and fostering connections between Linguistics and the broader scientific landscape.