Prof. Dr. Ali Derakhshan | Language and Linguistics | Best Researcher Award
Head of the Department | Golestan University | Iran
Ali Derakhshan is a prominent professor in the field of Applied Linguistics at the Department of English Language and Literature, Golestan University, Gorgan, Iran. With an academic career spanning several years, Derakhshan is recognized for his contributions to the development of English language education. As a researcher, he holds significant distinction and is listed among the world’s top 1% of scientists in 2024 by Clarivate Analytics and the top 2% of influential scientists by Stanford University in 2022, 2023, and 2024. His expertise lies in various areas, including positive psychology, teacher education, learner differences, interlanguage pragmatics, and intercultural communication. Derakhshan has published numerous articles in reputable journals and is a recognized global figure in language education research.
Profile
Education
Ali Derakhshan’s academic journey began with his Associate of Arts in TEFL, which he completed in 2004 at the Teacher Training College in Mashhad, Iran. He then advanced his education, obtaining a Bachelor of Arts in TEFL from Torbat-e-Heydarieh Islamic Azad University in 2007. Following this, he earned a Master of Arts in Teaching English as a Foreign Language from the University of Tehran in 2009. His pursuit of higher education culminated with a Ph.D. in Applied Linguistics from Allameh Tabataba’i University, Tehran, Iran, in January 2014. This academic foundation has significantly shaped his career as a linguistics professor and researcher.
Experience
Derakhshan’s professional career spans multiple teaching and managerial roles. As a Yunshan Chair Professor at the Guangdong University of Foreign Studies in China (2024–2027), he imparts his knowledge on English education. Previously, he held several significant academic positions at Golestan University, where he became a full professor in 2023 after serving as an associate professor since 2019. Before his promotion, he served as an assistant professor from 2014 to 2019. His experience also includes visiting professorships at several prestigious institutions in Iran and beyond, including Sharif University of Technology, Allameh Tabataba’i University, and Islamic Azad University. In addition to his teaching, he has undertaken various managerial roles, such as heading the Language Department and leading International Affairs at Golestan University.
Research Interests
Professor Derakhshan’s research interests are broad and encompass various facets of Applied Linguistics and education. His primary focus areas include positive psychology in language learning, teacher education, and learner individual differences. Additionally, his work delves into the psychological and cultural aspects of language learning, particularly in the context of interlanguage pragmatics and intercultural communication. His extensive research has contributed significantly to understanding the role of teachers and learners in language education, and he continues to explore how these elements influence second and foreign language acquisition.
Awards
Throughout his career, Ali Derakhshan has garnered numerous accolades for his exceptional contributions to the field of Applied Linguistics. In 2021, he was selected as a distinguished researcher by the Teaching English Language and Literature Society of Iran, recognizing his influence on the development of English language education. Additionally, he has been a member of the Iranian Elites Foundation since 2015, a prestigious honor given to outstanding academic figures in Iran. His recognition as one of the world’s top scientists, including the listings by Clarivate Analytics and Stanford University, further affirms his international impact in the field.
Publications
Ameliorating the Psychological Well-Being of Chinese and Iranian Teachers in English Classrooms
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- Authors: Wang, J., Derakhshan, A.
- Publication Year: 2025
- Citations: 0
Investigating the usefulness of artificial intelligence-driven robots in developing empathy for English for medical purposes communication
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- Authors: Derakhshan, A., Teo, T., Khazaie, S.
- Publication Year: 2025
- Citations: 3
An investigation into the motivation and attitudes of Japanese students toward learning English
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- Authors: Kirkpatrick, R., Kirkpatrick, J., Derakhshan, A.
- Publication Year: 2024
- Citations: 10
Examining the role of classroom climate and teacher-student relationships in EFL students’ perceived learning outcomes
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- Authors: Luo, T., Derakhshan, A.
- Publication Year: 2024
- Citations: 1
Is ChatGPT an evil or an angel for second language education and research?
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- Authors: Derakhshan, A., Ghiasvand, F.
- Publication Year: 2024
- Citations: 17
I never make a permanent decision based on a temporary emotion
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- Authors: Derakhshan, A., Wang, Y., Ghiasvand, F.
- Publication Year: 2024
- Citations: 67
The use of interlanguage pragmatic learning strategies (IPLS) by L2 learners
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- Authors: Derakhshan, A., Malmir, A., Pawlak, M., Wang, Y.
- Publication Year: 2024
- Citations: 13
Interactional features in second language classroom discourse
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- Authors: Derakhshan, A., Karimpour, S., Nazari, M.
- Publication Year: 2024
- Citations: 4
Exploring Chinese and Iranian EAP students’ oral communication apprehension in English
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- Authors: Wang, Y., Derakhshan, A., Ghiasvand, F., Esfandyari, M.
- Publication Year: 2024
- Citations: 9
The Interrelationships Between Chinese English-as-a-Foreign-Language Teachers’ Immediacy and Clarity with Learners’ Boredom
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- Authors: Xu, J., Pan, Y., Derakhshan, A.
- Publication Year: 2024
- Citations: 3
Conclusion
Professor Ali Derakhshan’s contributions to Applied Linguistics have had a profound impact on the field, particularly in the areas of language education, teacher training, and intercultural communication. His distinguished academic career is marked by several important awards, memberships in elite academic societies, and numerous impactful publications. As a researcher and educator, his work continues to shape the future of English language teaching and learning worldwide. His continued engagement in academic and research endeavors promises to influence language education practices globally, with an emphasis on integrating positive psychology, innovative teaching methods, and cross-cultural awareness in language acquisition.