Key points
Publish in English or perish is becoming a reality in many non‐Anglophone countries.
Non‐Anglophone journals are facing a dilemma: losing appeal to authors/reviewers if published in local languages or losing linguistic/cultural identity if published in English.
This article analyses language policies those journals may use and positions them on a capital‐identity matrix to highlight their advantages and disadvantages.
The article elaborates on two emerging language policies (bilingual publishing and extended English summary), both helping preserve their identity and take advantage of the capital of the English language.
The article provides insights into the pros and cons of different language policies and how to select policies that best support journal survival and development.