Historical Origins of the Journal
The journal originated in the United States, where the development of social sciences and the increasing competency of many professionals has led to the need for a discussion outlet. Communications were not a well-established field of study at the time, and the number of materials available was scarce. As outlined on the website of the Southern States Communication Association, the journal has had a prolonged history of publication. In 1934, its humble beginnings were gradually conceived. Prompted by Rose B. Johnson, who was a high school teacher in Alabama, the journal was created and sponsored, called the Southern Speech Bulletin at the time. This event has served as the start of what is now known as the Southern Communication Journal, consequently becoming the 3rd ever journal created for the field of communication.
Current Focus of the Journal
As suggested by the name, Southern Communication Journal Primarily focuses on discussing and furthering the understanding of human communication. This means that publications touching on how communication is performed, its barriers or intricacies, are particularly welcomed there. The ways to further the overall goal of the publication, however, are not strictly limited and can be justified by submitters themselves. Writers can submit works regarding the theoretical basis or understanding of communication or examine how the subject functions in a social setting. Similarly, the barriers to communication or significant problems may be brought up, along with the variety of approaches towards enhancing how professional, casual and interpersonal communication works can be seen there. There are no particular restrictions in regards to the topic the authors contributing to the journal may discuss.
Additionally, theoretical perspectives or methodology also do not influence the publishing or acceptance criteria for the southern journal, meaning that the researchers are given a lot of creative freedom over their work. As long as the subject, its analysis, or goals of the work can in some way be connected to the subject of human communication or be used to further discussions about communication, they will be considered for publication. However, it should also be noted that some criteria of quality or competency regarding research and writing still apply. In particular, research significance and methodology choices must be explained in detail, along with the justification for theoretical perspectives presented. Audience-wise, the journal tries to reach a mixed audience, consisting of scholars, researchers, and other individuals interested in communication.
Where it is Being Read
As mentioned previously, the subjects for the journal are varied and can be used in a different number of fields while centering on the topic of communication as the main connecting thread. It is especially relevant for those studying rhetoric, as it remains one of the core subjects in communication discussions. However, other applications for the information can additionally be found. This means that the subjects of submitted articles are similarly diverse, reaching into various other disciplines and offering their perspectives. Many of the works featured discuss aspects of communication in certain communities, in particular within specific parts of the world, countries, or ethnic regions. Rhetoric around the world is a subject of a number of presented articles, examining such countries as Scandinavia and Poland (Bendrat; Kjeldsen). The examination of public discourse in specific areas of the world allows professionals to consider the particular aspects of communication that are exclusive to a culture, or a geographic location. Other social trends relating to communication are also brought up, analyzing the use of social media or particular problems in modern communication. With the spread of technology, the exploration of the both the digital and real spheres in conjunction increasingly becomes a pre-requisite. Social media, web forums and archives, as well as the mass media all represent diversions from the traditional communication models, and are worth considering in a professional capacity. As a whole, the use of the journal would be a necessity for many educational fields, including communication, sociology, marketing, and other disciplines that require the understanding of human interaction as a whole.
Works Cited
Bendrat, Anna, et al. “Rhetoric in Poland.” Southern Communication Journal, vol. 86, no. 2, 2021, pp. 119–133., doi:10.1080/1041794x.2021.1882547.
Kjeldsen, Jens E. “Eager to Be in Touch with the World: The Practice and Study of Rhetoric in Scandinavia.” Southern Communication Journal, vol. 86, no. 2, 2021, pp. 107–118., doi:10.1080/1041794x.2021.1882546.