Transformation of the academic journal “Afrika und Übersee” into an open access journal

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The journal "Afrika und Übersee", which was established in 1910, is dedicated to the publication of new scholarly findings in African languages and their historical, cultural and social contexts. The diversified thematic scope of the journal represents the entire range of the field of African linguistics and naturally also seizes new approaches to research and analysis in African Studies. Special attention is paid to the publication of linguistic primary data and their analysis, both of which are adopted beyond the boundary of the own discipline mainly by scholars in linguistic typology and linguistic theorists. The promotion of young researchers, especially from Africa, is of particular concern to the editors. Articles can be published either in English or French or German. They generally pass through a double-blind peer review before publication.The process of transforming the journal into an open access publication basically involves two lines of action: the technical conversion of the method of production into a digital and openly accessible format and the reorganization of the continuous editorial work. For the technical changeover, the editors favor the cooperation with a professional publishing partner who takes care not only for the basic structure for online publication (webspace and assignment of a DOI), but is also responsible for an optimal distribution and visibility as well as the long-term archiving of the journal. The adjustments of the editorial work concern a redistribution of responsibilities and a restructuring of the entire workflow. The aim of the transformation is to ensure the long-term continuity of the journal as an important international platform that brings together trans-regional scholarly debates of scientific communities focused on Africa. The distribution of hitherto unpublished linguistic primary data will remain to be given high priority. The global presence of the journal, the sharpening of its profile and the excellent quality also aim at increasing the pool of potential authors. In an international comparative perspective, the open access publication of Afrika und Übersee shall also enhance the position of African linguistics based in Germany.