Corrections and Retractions

Humanities & Language: International Journal of Linguistics, Humanities, and Education (HUMANIOLA) is committed to maintaining the accuracy and integrity of the scholarly record. Although manuscripts undergo editorial assessment and peer review before publication, errors or concerns may occasionally emerge after an article has been published. The journal addresses such cases according to their nature, significance, and potential impact on the reliability of the published work.

Corrections

A correction may be issued when an error is identified in a published article but the overall findings and conclusions remain reliable. Examples include errors in author names or affiliations, incorrect references, factual inaccuracies, omitted acknowledgements, or other mistakes that require formal clarification.

Requests for corrections may be submitted by authors, readers, or other parties with relevant information. The editorial team will assess the proposed correction and may request supporting evidence before making a decision. If a correction is approved, HUMANIOLA will publish a formal notice describing the error and the necessary amendment. The notice will be linked to the original article to ensure that readers can identify the corrected record.

Corrections will not be used to conceal substantive problems that undermine the validity of an article. Where an error affects the central arguments, evidence, or conclusions, the editor will determine whether a correction is sufficient or whether further action is necessary.

Retractions

Retraction is considered when substantial problems undermine the reliability of a published article or when serious breaches of publication ethics are established. The purpose of retraction is to alert readers to unreliable work and preserve the integrity of the scholarly record, rather than to impose punishment on authors.

Grounds for retraction may include:

• Clear evidence that the findings are unreliable because of major errors, fabricated data, falsified information, or other serious inaccuracies.

• Plagiarism or substantial unattributed duplication of previously published work.

• Redundant publication without appropriate disclosure, justification, or permission where required.

• Use of data, materials, or copyrighted content without the necessary authorization.

• Research conducted or reported in violation of relevant ethical requirements.

• Serious manipulation of the peer-review or publication process.

• Undisclosed competing interests that materially undermine confidence in the article's interpretation or conclusions.

The editor will evaluate the available evidence, seek explanations from the relevant authors, and consult institutional authorities or independent experts when appropriate. A retraction decision will not be based solely on an allegation; it must be supported by sufficient evidence and a fair editorial assessment.

Expression of Concern

When credible concerns arise but the available evidence is insufficient to justify an immediate correction or retraction, HUMANIOLA may publish an Expression of Concern. This notice informs readers that an issue affecting a published article is under examination.

An expression of concern may be appropriate when an investigation is ongoing, the evidence remains inconclusive, or an institutional inquiry has been delayed. The notice will explain the nature of the concern as clearly as possible without presenting unverified allegations as established facts.

Once additional evidence becomes available, the journal will reassess the case and determine whether a correction, retraction, further notice, or no additional action is appropriate.

Publication of Notices and Preservation of the Record

Formal correction, retraction, and expression-of-concern notices will identify the affected article and explain the reason for the editorial action. Notices will be publicly accessible and linked to the original publication wherever possible.

Retracted articles will ordinarily remain accessible in the journal's online archive to preserve the publication record, but their retracted status will be clearly indicated. The retraction notice should identify who initiated the retraction and distinguish, where the evidence permits, between honest error and research or publication misconduct.

HUMANIOLA will take reasonable steps to ensure that the status of an affected article is communicated accurately in the journal's website, article files, and associated publication records.

Withdrawal of Submitted Manuscripts

Withdrawal of a manuscript before publication is distinct from retracting an article that has already been published. Authors who wish to withdraw a submission must provide a written request to the editorial office, explaining the reason for withdrawal. The request should come from the corresponding author and, where appropriate, confirm the agreement of all co-authors.

Once a manuscript has entered peer review, copyediting, or production, withdrawal requests will be assessed in light of the circumstances and the work already undertaken by the journal. A manuscript that has already been formally published cannot be treated as an unpublished submission simply by requesting its withdrawal; any subsequent action must follow the journal's correction or retraction procedures.

Editorial Responsibility

The Editor-in-Chief has primary responsibility for decisions concerning corrections, retractions, and expressions of concern, subject to appropriate editorial independence and the management of any conflicts of interest. The journal may seek advice from independent specialists or relevant institutions when a case requires additional expertise.

All cases will be handled individually, with due consideration for the evidence, the rights of the parties involved, and the potential consequences for readers and the scholarly community.

HUMANIOLA follows the relevant guidance of the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE) in managing post-publication corrections and retractions. Further information is available in the COPE Retraction Guidelines.