Effects of Bilingualism on Native Language Proficiency and Career Readiness among Kuwaiti Students and Professionals

Abstract

This study investigates how bilingualism influences academic performance, language proficiency, and professional readiness among students and young professionals in Kuwait. As multilingualism becomes a vital component of education and professional life, this research explores the challenges and benefits of mastering additional languages, particularly how individuals maintain their native language skills while adapting to a globalized world. Through in-depth interviews with 13 students and young professionals, and 15 university professors, the study captures diverse perspectives on bilingualism’s impact on learning and career readiness. Participants shared how bilingualism enhances cognitive flexibility and critical thinking but also expressed concerns about the erosion of native language proficiency, especially in academic writing. Professors echoed these concerns, highlighting challenges in helping students maintain strong native language skills while excelling in other languages. The findings emphasize bilingualism’s role in providing a competitive edge in the job market and in navigating crosscultural environments. Students and professors stressed the importance of balanced bilingualism, where individuals thrive in multiple languages without sacrificing their native language. This research highlights the need for educational policies in Kuwait that promote this balance, focusing on curricula that integrate both linguistic proficiency and cultural competence. By doing so, Kuwait’s educational system can better prepare students and professionals for success in an interconnected world.