Correction and Retraction Policy

Seltics Journal: Scope of English Language Teaching, Literature and Linguistics Journal is committed to preserving the accuracy, reliability, and integrity of the scholarly record. When errors or serious concerns are identified in a published article, the journal will assess the matter and take appropriate action to ensure that readers are informed.

Editorial actions will be proportionate to the nature and seriousness of the issue and will follow relevant publication ethics guidance, including guidance from the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE).

1. Corrections

A correction may be issued when an error in a published article needs to be rectified but does not invalidate the overall reliability of the research or its main conclusions.

Examples include, where appropriate:

Errors in author names, affiliations, or other publication metadata.
Factual, typographical, or bibliographical errors that require formal clarification.
Errors in tables, figures, or text that can be corrected without undermining the article's principal findings.
Other mistakes that may mislead readers but do not warrant retraction.

The Editorial Team will assess the proposed correction and determine whether a formal correction notice is necessary.

A correction notice should clearly identify the original article, describe the error, provide the corrected information, and explain the nature of the change. The notice should be linked to the original article so readers can identify the correction.

2. Retractions

Retraction may be considered when serious problems undermine the reliability, integrity, or ethical acceptability of a published article.

Possible grounds for retraction include:

Clear evidence of fabricated or falsified data.
Plagiarism or substantial unattributed use of another person's work.
Duplicate or redundant publication that compromises the integrity of the scholarly record.
Serious research ethics violations.
Major errors that invalidate the article's principal findings or conclusions.
Compromised peer review or serious publication-process manipulation.
Undisclosed conflicts of interest that materially affect the reliability or interpretation of the work.
Other serious problems that make the published article unreliable or misleading.

Retraction is intended to correct the scholarly record and alert readers to unreliable work; it is not intended solely as punishment for authors.

3. Assessment Procedure

When a possible correction or retraction is brought to the journal's attention, the Editorial Team will:

Assess the reported concern and available evidence.
Contact the corresponding author and, where appropriate, other relevant parties for clarification.
Seek additional evidence or independent advice when necessary.
Consult the author's affiliated institution or other relevant organizations if the case requires further investigation.
Determine the appropriate action based on the evidence and the implications for the published record.

Authors may request a correction or retraction and should provide a clear explanation and supporting information. A request by an author does not automatically result in a correction or retraction; the journal will assess the matter independently.

The journal may proceed with an appropriate editorial action even if some or all authors do not agree, provided the available evidence justifies the decision.

4. Expression of Concern

If credible concerns arise but the available evidence is insufficient to reach a final decision, the journal may publish an expression of concern.

An expression of concern alerts readers to a matter that may affect the reliability or integrity of an article while further clarification or investigation is pending. The journal may update the notice when additional evidence or investigation findings become available.

5. Publication and Visibility of Notices

Correction, retraction, or expression-of-concern notices will identify the affected article and explain the reason for the editorial action to the extent that can be disclosed appropriately.

Where technically possible, the notice will be linked to the original article, and the article's online record will clearly indicate its status. The original article will generally remain accessible for the integrity of the scholarly record, with a clear link to the relevant notice, rather than being silently removed.

Notices will be made publicly accessible and published as promptly as reasonably possible after the journal has sufficient grounds for action.

6. Editorial Responsibility

The Editor-in-Chief or an appropriately designated editor will oversee decisions concerning corrections, expressions of concern, and retractions. Editors with a relevant conflict of interest will not participate in decisions concerning the affected article.

All decisions will be based on the available evidence, the seriousness of the issue, and the need to maintain an accurate and transparent scholarly record.

Seltics Journal reserves the right to take appropriate corrective action when necessary to protect the integrity of its publications.