Linguistic stratification in academic publishing: A corpus-based analysis of lexicogrammatical variation across journal tiers

Abstract

This study examines linguistic stratification in academic publishing through corpus analysis of lexicogrammatical variation between high-tier and low-tier scientific journals. Using a specialized corpus of 2.3 million words from biochemistry, cell biology, and genetics publications, the research employs contrastive intralingual analysis to investigate how journal prestige influences language choices. Through key bundle analysis and examination of multiword units, the study reveals systematic differences in passive voice usage, tense selection, modal constructions, and lexical choices between journal tiers. High-tier journals demonstrate greater use of present tense constructions, specific vocabulary, and confident assertions, while low-tier journals show preference for past tense passives, generic verbs, and tentative modal expressions. The findings indicate that journal tier creates distinct linguistic expectations that reflect confidence versus tentativeness in academic writing. These patterns suggest that publication contexts systematically influence lexicogrammatical choices, with implications for how journal prestige shapes acceptable academic discourse and may create differential barriers for scholars navigating research publication in English.