NEITHER ARABIC NOR ENGLISH: TRANSLANGUAGING AS A FRONTLINE LANGUAGE PRACTICE IN A GULF-BASED MNC

Authors

Mai Al-Naemi, Qatar University
Hyun Jung Lee, London School of Economics and Political Science
Carol Reade, San Jose State UniversityFollow

Publication Date

1-1-2025

Document Type

Conference Proceeding

Publication Title

Academy of Management Annual Meeting Proceedings

Volume

2025

Issue

1

DOI

10.5465/AMPROC.2025.31bp

Abstract

While much has been written on lingua franca policy, less is known about how indigenous factors shape its practice. Through a 10-month ethnographic study of naturally occurring conversations in a Gulf-based MNC with an English lingua franca mandate, we develop a conceptual framework of Gulf-specific translanguaging practices identified among employees. We further conceptualize the strategic use of these translanguaging types in formal and informal contexts at the HQ and at the plant. Our findings challenge the reliance on a single standard language as lingua franca, and indicate the value of indigenous forms of translanguaging for enhancing communication and linguistic inclusion.

Department

Global Innovation and Leadership

Recommended Citation

Mai Al-Naemi, Hyun Jung Lee, and Carol Reade. "NEITHER ARABIC NOR ENGLISH: TRANSLANGUAGING AS A FRONTLINE LANGUAGE PRACTICE IN A GULF-BASED MNC" Academy of Management Annual Meeting Proceedings (2025). https://doi.org/10.5465/AMPROC.2025.31bp