Neither Arabic nor English: translanguaging as a frontline language practice in the Gulf-based MNC

Al-Naemi, Mai, Lee, Hyun-Jung ORCID: 0000-0003-3386-4959 and Reade, Carol (2025) Neither Arabic nor English: translanguaging as a frontline language practice in the Gulf-based MNC. Academy of Management Annual Meeting Proceedings, 2025 (1). ISSN 2151-6561

Text (AOM2025 Best Paper Proceedings_Translanguaging) - Accepted Version Available under License Creative Commons Attribution. Download (196kB)

• Scopus publication
• https://journals.aom.org/doi/10.5465/AMP...

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.

Item Type:	Article
Additional Information:	© 2025 Academy of Management Proceedings
Divisions:	Management
Subjects:	P Language and Literature H Social Sciences > HD Industries. Land use. Labor > HD28 Management. Industrial Management
Date Deposited:	14 Apr 2025 11:12
Last Modified:	11 Sep 2025 12:22
URI:	http://eprints.lse.ac.uk/id/eprint/127938

Actions (login required)

View Item