Abstract
Objective assessment of the results of scientific work, including the possibility of using the bibliometric (statistical, mathematical) assessment of publication activity, citation and, ultimately, the prestige of scholars, has been the subject of wide speculation in recent decades. The article presents the materials of a bibliometric analysis of publication activity and citation of well-known modern linguists, based on data from the Russian Science Citation Index. The article deals with bibliometric analysis of publication activity and citation rate of 25 contemporary Russian linguists according to the Russian Science Citation Index. The paper touches upon the ranking of Russian linguists by the number of publications and citations. This research examines the factors affecting citation rates: high prestige of relevant journals and publishers, involvement in leading research areas, carrying out scientific inquiries in top universities and academic research institutes.