Guidelines for Hijai' Reviewers

Responsibility of Peer Reviewer

Peer reviewers are responsible for evaluating manuscripts within their area of expertise, providing constructive, objective, and timely feedback to both the Editor and Authors. Reviewers help ensure the scientific quality, originality, and relevance of research submitted to HIJAI - Journal on Arabic Language and Literature.

Peer Review Workflow Diagram

The diagram below illustrates the double-blind peer review process at HIJAI:

1
Manuscript Submission & Initial Desk Screening

Author submits manuscript. Editor checks scope, similarity index (< 15%), and formatting compliance.

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2
Reviewer Assignment (Double-Blind)

Editor assigns at least two (2) expert reviewers. Author and reviewer identities remain anonymized.

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3
Evaluation & Assessment (2 Weeks)

Reviewers evaluate title, abstract, methodology, results, and novelty using the standardized Review Form.

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4
Reviewer Recommendation & Editorial Decision

Reviewers submit recommendations (Accept, Revisions, or Reject). Editor makes final decision.

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5
Revision & Final Acceptance

Authors revise paper based on feedback. Revised version is verified before publication online.

1. Prior to Accepting the Review Request

  • Expertise Matching: Does the manuscript align with your specific expertise in Arabic linguistics, literature, or related fields? If not, please decline promptly and suggest alternative reviewers.
  • Time Availability: The standard review timeframe is two (2) weeks. If you require an extension or cannot meet the deadline, please inform the Editor immediately.
  • Conflict of Interest: Disclose any potential financial, institutional, or personal conflicts of interest to the Editorial Board before accepting the invitation.

2. Manuscript Evaluation Criteria

Title & Abstract

Concise, accurate, and reflective of the study. Abstract must summarize research objectives, methodology, main findings, and conclusions.

Introduction & Originality

Clearly state research gap and theoretical objectives. Manuscripts must maintain a plagiarism similarity threshold below 15%.

Methodology & Discussion

Verify theoretical framework, analytical methods, and logical data interpretation connected to existing Arabic studies.

3. Areas of Scope to Consider

  • Arabic Linguistics: Phonology, Morphology, Syntax (Nahw), Semantics, Pragmatics, and Sociolinguistics.
  • Arabic Literature: Classical and Modern Poetry, Prose, Literary Criticism, and Comparative Literature.
  • Applied Linguistics: Arabic Language Teaching (TAFL), Translation Studies, Rhetoric (Balaghah), and Discourse Analysis.

4. Ethical Considerations & Confidentiality

  • Confidentiality: Manuscripts must be treated as strictly confidential documents.
  • Direct Contact: Reviewers must not attempt to contact authors directly. All communications must go through OJS.

5. Policy on the Use of AI in Peer Review

HIJAI: Journal on Arabic Language and Literature adheres to strict ethical principles regarding Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the peer-review process:

  • Strict Confidentiality: Reviewers are strictly PROHIBITED from uploading submitted manuscripts, titles, abstracts, or raw data into public AI tools (e.g., ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini). Uploading manuscripts to unsecured AI platforms constitutes a direct breach of confidentiality and copyright policy.
  • No AI-Generated Reviews: Peer review requires expert human judgment and critical domain expertise. Reviewers must not use Generative AI to generate evaluation reports, assess research methodology, or make publication recommendations. Review reports must represent the reviewer's own independent analysis.
  • Permitted Language Assistance: Reviewers may use AI tools solely for refining grammar, spelling, or improving the clarity of their written feedback to the editors and authors.
  • Full Accountability: Reviewers remain fully accountable for the accuracy, fairness, and integrity of all comments and recommendations submitted in their review reports.

Final Recommendation

Please complete "The Review Form" in OJS by the given due date. Provide constructive comments for the Author and Confidential Notes for the Editor regarding your recommendation (Accept, Revisions Required, Resubmit for Review, or Reject).