Correlation of the english language proficiency of brazilian chemistry researchers with their scientific publications

Abstract

English is the most used language for publishing scientific studies, which can be an obstacle for non-fluent researchers. This paper analyzed the self-assesments (speaking, reading, listening and writing in English) in curricula of researchers working in Postgraduate Programs in Chemistry stricto sensu in Brazil. Information on the researchers' scientific production was obtained from the Lattes Platform. A total of 24 programs were evaluated with grade 4 from Coordination for the Improvement of Higher Education Personnel (CAPES), 10 with grade 7 and 337 researchers. Most consider themselves to have a good command of English, with the best assessment for reading. Researchers were characterized as fluent/non-fluent based on their evaluations for reading and writing. Articles in English were published, mostly, by those who read/write fluently. These researchers have the highest averages in relation to citations and h-index.