Multilingualism and internationalization, navigating the complexities: A systematic review

Abstract

Multilingualism and internationalization have become integral components of higher education institutions worldwide, shaping the academic landscape and preparing students for success in a globalized world. The coexistence of diverse languages and cultures enriches societies, fosters cooperation, and fuels economic development. In essence, multilingualism facilitates internationalization by bridging cross-cultural communication and understanding. The present study aimed to explore the importance and implications of multilingualism and internationalization in higher education universities, highlighting its role in shaping a more interconnected and prosperous world, with a specific focus on its impact on educational outcomes. The questions guiding this study would be: How does multilingualism imply and influence internationalization in higher education, and what are the implications and influences of multilingualism on internationalization in higher education? Methodologically, it is a qualitative study through a systematic literature review. This methodological approach was selected because it offers the possibility of synthesizing a wide range of research to answer a search question. In addition, the transparency of the procedures reduces the risk of bias, allows for reproducibility, and informs the development of new research by identifying knowledge gaps that exist in a specific area of study. The results highlighted the multifaceted benefits and positive contribution of multilingualism to internationalization by fostering academic excellence, cultural diversity, and the development of global citizenship and linguistic competence.