Language as a Tool of Inclusion in a Multilingual Environment

Abstract

In a globalised world, communication between people from multiple cultural and linguistic backgrounds are more likely to happen. It is one of the many outcomes of globalisation. Such multilingual environments are particularly apparent in universities, in which obstacles may arise due to the diversity associated with each person’s cultural and linguistic background. As a response, it is suggested that there are several ways to mediate multilingual conversations, including through translation, code-switching, lingua franca and lingua receptiva. This research focuses on the two latter notions, where lingua franca and lingua receptiva are employed to bridge conversations involving parties from various cultural and linguistic contexts. To this end, this research utilizes an experiment model involving a multilinguistic group of 6 (six) participants in a group conversation setting where 2 (two) selected issues are discussed in two separate sessions, each using one of the two communication modes. The data is derived from the content analysis of the discussions using two communication modes as well as in-depth interviews from each participant. The results show that both communication modes are effective in promoting participation among multilingual students in a conversation. However, lingua receptiva has been observed to promote greater inclusion among these participants, especially at preserving the diverse linguistic backgrounds of the participants while still facilitating interaction similar to ELF. For participants who have less knowledge in a particular language, they can rely on the responses of other participants who are proficient in that language to actively participate in the conversation. This demonstrates the benefits of multilingualism and lingua receptiva conversation.