Multilingual institutions are characterized by the use and coexistence of multiple languages (Nicolaescu, 2023). Research shows this is a growing priority in higher education worldwide (Herrarte, 2023). However, many South African universities face persistent challenges in effectively implementing multilingual policies (Bwowe et al, 2024). This study examines the University of the Free State (UFS) multilingual policy to explore how the absence or limitation of policy provisions for the holistic development of intercultural communication competence (ICC) may hinder a university’s pursuit of genuine multilingualism. Using qualitative methods and guided by Identity Negotiation Theory, which conceptualizes ICC as comprising affective (e.g., empathy), cognitive (e.g., knowledge and understanding of cultural differences), and behavioural (e.g., appropriate verbal and nonverbal actions) components (Ting-Toomey, 2017), the study reveals that the current UFS policy poses risks of diminished belonging, intercultural communication misunderstandings, and limited intercultural adaptability among university members. The study argues that any one or a combination of these risks can undermine efforts to achieve genuine multilingualism, both at the policy level and in everyday university interactions, affecting broader institutional goals such as social cohesion and inclusivity. It concludes by calling for the integration of explicit policy provisions that support holistic ICC development across the university community to foster inclusive intercultural communication and meaningful multilingual transformation. The findings of this study may inform other linguistically and culturally diverse institutions worldwide.

Authors:
Robson Nkosi, University of the Free State, South Africa

About the Presenter(s)
Robson is also a lecturer at the University of the Free State (QwaQwa Campus) with over three years of experience teaching intercultural communication and introduction to research to undergraduates. He holds a master's degree in rhetoric.

Connect on Linkedin
https://www.linkedin.com/in/robson-nkosi/?trk=opento_sprofile_details

See this presentation on the full schedule – Wednesday Schedule

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