Policy Statement
IJ-ATL (International Journal of Arabic Teaching and Learning) recognizes that generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) and AI-assisted technologies can support certain aspects of scholarly writing and research. However, their use must not compromise academic integrity, research validity, publication ethics, or the confidentiality of the editorial process.
Authors remain fully responsible for the accuracy, originality, integrity, and ethical compliance of their manuscripts, including any content produced or assisted by AI tools.
Permitted Use of AI Tools
Authors may use AI-assisted tools for language improvement, grammar correction, translation, and other limited supporting tasks, provided that the use does not compromise the accuracy or integrity of the research.
AI tools may also be used for appropriate technical assistance, such as data visualization, provided that the underlying data and research findings are not fabricated, falsified, or misleadingly altered.
All AI-generated or AI-assisted outputs must be critically reviewed and verified by the authors. AI tools cannot be listed as authors or credited with authorship because they cannot assume responsibility for the work.
Prohibited Use of AI
The following practices are prohibited:
- Using AI to fabricate or falsify data, results, references, citations, or other research evidence.
- Using AI-generated content in ways that misrepresent the originality, validity, or scholarly contribution of the work.
- Submitting AI-generated text, analysis, or other substantive content without disclosure when disclosure is required under this policy.
- Uploading confidential manuscripts, unpublished research, reviewer reports, or editorial correspondence to AI tools without proper authorization and adequate safeguards.
- Using AI tools to replace independent human judgment in peer review or editorial decision-making.
Disclosure Requirements
Authors must disclose the use of generative AI tools when those tools contribute to the preparation of manuscript content, analysis, interpretation, or other substantive scholarly work. The disclosure should identify the tool used and explain its purpose.
The statement should be placed in a separate section before the references, where applicable, using the following format:
Generative AI Use Statement
“During the preparation of this manuscript, the author(s) used [name of tool] for [specific purpose]. The author(s) reviewed and verified the resulting output and take full responsibility for the content of the published article.”
Routine use of basic spelling or grammar checkers and reference management software does not require disclosure, unless such tools generate substantive content.
Responsibilities of Editors and Reviewers
Editors and reviewers must protect the confidentiality of submitted manuscripts and related editorial materials. They must not upload confidential materials to public or third-party AI systems without authorization and appropriate safeguards. Peer review and editorial decisions must remain under human responsibility and be based on independent scholarly judgment.
Compliance and Enforcement
The journal may request clarification or additional information about the use of AI tools when necessary. Undisclosed or unethical use of AI may result in a request for revision, rejection, correction, or retraction, depending on the nature and severity of the violation.
This policy may be updated as scholarly publishing practices and recognized publication ethics standards evolve.
