Katherine Mansfield and Dr Julio Gimenez, Language experts at the University of Westminster, have written for the Times Higher Education (THE) Campus on how universities can follow Westminster’s example to unlock the benefits of multilingualism in higher education.
In the article, Mansfield and Dr Gimenez explained how Westminster’s Multilingual University project helped to highlight and celebrate linguistic diversity across the University community. Launched by the Centre for Education and Teaching Innovation (CETI) in 2023, the Multilingual University survey revealed a total of 133 languages and 61 language varieties across the institution.
The article offers steps that other universities can take to support linguistic diversity, including language-themed events, multilingual signage and digital platforms. Westminster’s Multilingual University project, for example, is working with international students to incorporate multilingual phrases from the Being Westminster 2022-2029 strategy into signs across campus.
They go on to suggest that universities can integrate multilingualism into teaching and learning practices by incorporating home languages into learning activities and providing language resources and workshops. Westminster offers its staff and students free access to Polylang programmes to learn a new language, such as Arabic, Spanish and Chinese, or develop their English communication skills.
Mansfield and Dr Gimenez further discuss the many benefits of multilingualism in higher education, including enhancing students’ experiences, fostering a stronger sense of community and improving well-being. They explained: “While English acts as a unifying force, students who can express themselves in their primary language often feel more comfortable and connected to their peers, according to our research. This sense of belonging is crucial for student well-being and academic success.”
The article concludes that a multilingual approach to higher education is crucially important in today’s globalised world. Mansfield and Dr Gimenez said: “As the number of international students continues to grow, embracing multilingualism is not just a gesture of inclusivity – it is an essential step towards preparing students for a globalised future.”
Read Katherine Mansfield and Dr Julio Gimenez’ article for THE Campus.
Find out more about studying as an international student at the University of Westminster.
Related articles
