Non-Native English-Speaking Scholars’ Experiences of Writing for publication in English: A Meta-ethnographic Synthesis of Qualitative Evidence

This meta-ethnographic synthesis integrates qualitative findings from 22 empirical studies exploring non-native English-speaking (NNES) scholars’ experiences of writing for publication in English (WPE). It identified three key elements shaping these experiences, including the motivation behind WPE, encompassing both personal aspirations and institutional pressures; insecurity about WPE, stemming from uneven institutional support, biased journal gatekeeping, and professional and linguistic self-doubt; and coping strategies for WPE, including seeking support from multiple sources, metacognitive reflection, and alternative, sometimes critical, approaches. Together, these findings reveal how systemic constraints can exacerbate scholars’ anxieties, while adaptive strategies underscore NNES researchers’ resilience. The study contributes a more holistic conceptual framework linking these aspects to illustrate the complexities of WPE. It concludes by highlighting the need for institutional reforms, broader recognition of diverse publication outputs, and inclusive editorial policies.