Thematic and methodological trends of research articles published in the Ethiopian Journal of Language, Culture and Communication (EJLCC) from 2016- 2021

Abstract

This research examined the thematic and methodological trends of research articles published in the Ethiopian Journal of Language, Culture and Communication from 2016- 2021. A total of 52 research articles were downloaded from the data base of the journal. It was then skimmed, classified and analyzed based on the classification scheme developed for this study. The cumulative results indicated multifaceted patterns of research trends across the years. While a wide range of research themes were explored quantitatively and qualitatively, classroom pedagogy was the most preferred theme. Mixed method studies predominated within the research journal, interest in theoretical research has gained momentum across the years. Strikingly contrasted with this result was the absence of synthesis research articles published in the journal. Implications for better research publications and further research that should shed light on the research trend of articles in other language education journals were presented.