Exploring linguistic and cultural diversity at EMI universities in Kuwait

Abstract

The present study explores cultural and linguistic aspects of diversity in the context of universities with English-medium instruction (EMI) in Arabic-dominant Kuwait. As with other Arabian Gulf countries today, Kuwait is experiencing a rise of linguistic and cultural diversity not only due to the use of English as a lingua franca by the multi-ethnic, multilingual society, but also because of the adoption of EMI in higher education. The present study focuses on multilingualism at EMI universities in Kuwait and the impact of cultural and linguistic diversity on the educational process. The mixed-method approach combines a survey with undergraduate Kuwaiti students (N = 483) and semi-structured interviews with international faculty (N = 11) at two EMI universities in Kuwait. The survey results indicate that young Kuwaiti bilinguals regularly engage in multilingual interactions characterized by fluid use of multiple languages both within the educational environment and at home. The patterns emerging from interviews with educators indicate that pedagogical approaches in a range of academic fields also reflect linguistic and cultural diversity in the context of higher education with EMI in Kuwait.