Special issue

Cognitive Architectures of Professional Discourse: Theoretical, Neuro-Pragmatic, and Computational Perspectives

Professional communication has traditionally been examined through the lenses of sociology, pragmatics, and applied linguistics. However, to fully understand how specialized language is acquired, processed, and produced, we must investigate the underlying cognitive architectures that govern goal-setting, intentionality, and discursive regulation.

Although empirical neurolinguistic and psycholinguistic tools (e.g., EEG, fMRI, eye-tracking) allow us to measure cognitive load and processing in real-time, they fundamentally rely on robust theoretical models of pre-verbal intentionality, goal-setting, and pragmatic regulation. Therefore, this Special Issue seeks to bridge the gap between theoretical cognitive-discursive modeling and empirical neuro-pragmatic research.

We aim to explore the cognitive foundations of specialized and institutional communication—from the pre-verbal stages of speech activity to their linguistic objectification—including emerging applications in AI-mediated professional discourse. We welcome both empirically driven studies and comprehensive theoretical frameworks that map the cognitive mechanisms underlying professional genres.

Suggested Topics

We invite original research articles, comprehensive reviews, and theoretically grounded case studies on topics including, but not limited to:

• Theoretical and Computational Modeling (Conceptual frameworks of cognitive mechanisms (e.g., goal-setting, intentionality, metacognitive monitoring, pre-verbal planning) in professional genres).
• Neuro-Pragmatic & Psycholinguistic Methods (Applications of EEG, fMRI, eye-tracking, and reaction-time metrics to the study of professional and institutional discourse). 
• Cognitive Processing in ESP (Acquisition and processing of specialized terminology, professional jargon, and conceptual metaphors). 
• Human-AI Interaction (Intersections of cognitive linguistics, pragmatics, and Artificial Intelligence (e.g., prompt engineering, LLM discourse generation, human-machine communication) in professional settings). 
• Cognitive Load & Translation (Attention, memory, and stress impacts on workplace communication, decision-making, and professional interpreting). 
• Discursive Regulation & Metacognition (The role of awareness, self-monitoring, and pragmatic regulation in academic, political, and corporate discourse). 
• Cognitive Approaches to ESP Pedagogy (Theoretical and empirical insights into teaching and learning English for Specific Purposes). 
• Multimodal Cognition (Cognitive processing of multimodal professional communication (visual, verbal, and digital integration)). 

Important Dates

• Full Manuscript Submission Deadline: October 15, 2026 (extended)
• Peer-Review & Revision Period: October – November 2026
• Expected Publication Date: December 2026

Submission Guidelines

All manuscripts will undergo a rigorous double-blind peer-review process.
Articles should be written in English or Russian and formatted according to the journal’s guidelines, available on our website.

To submit your abstract or full manuscript, please visit our online submission portal at pdc-journal.com.

Should you have any questions regarding the Special Issue or the suitability of your proposed topic, please do not hesitate to contact the Editorial Team at pdc@inno.mgimo.ru.