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Re-considering language within a cosmopolitan understanding: Toward a multilingual franca approach in international business studies

Author

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  • Maddy Janssens

    (Research Center for Organisation Studies, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium)

  • Chris Steyaert

    (Research Institute for Organizational Psychology, University of St Gallen, St Gallen, Switzerland)

Abstract

This paper aims to uncover the normative assumptions that guide language studies in international business. Relying on sociolinguistics and cosmopolitan theory, we point to the possibility of conceiving language as a social practice rather than a discrete entity, and understanding globalization as the entanglement between universality and particularity rather than treating these two notions separately. Combining these linguistic and global assumptions, we arrive at three different research approaches to study linguistic performances in global work settings: monological lingua franca, monological multilingualism and multilingual franca. As the latter approach is unexplored, we develop the third option which underlines a human-centered multilingualism that conceives language as a social activity in which speakers mobilize multiple linguistic resources to express voice. The advantages of such an approach are its ability to capture the complexities of contemporary global life and its emphasis on a new understanding of multilingualism and diversity that truly goes beyond any kind of monolingualism. In terms of practice implications, a multilingual franca approach provides space for emancipatory politics through allowing mixed language use.

Suggested Citation

  • Maddy Janssens & Chris Steyaert, 2014. "Re-considering language within a cosmopolitan understanding: Toward a multilingual franca approach in international business studies," Journal of International Business Studies, Palgrave Macmillan;Academy of International Business, vol. 45(5), pages 623-639, June.
  • Handle: RePEc:pal:jintbs:v:45:y:2014:i:5:p:623-639
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    Cited by:

    1. Talukder, Sazzad & Barner-Rasmussen, Wilhelm, 2024. "Exploring the language choice dilemma of international small firms: A social exchange perspective on English-only versus multilingualism," International Business Review, Elsevier, vol. 33(3).
    2. Ahmad, Farhan & Barner-Rasmussen, Wilhelm, 2019. "False foe? When and how code switching practices can support knowledge sharing in multinational corporations," Journal of International Management, Elsevier, vol. 25(3), pages 1-1.
    3. Vesa Peltokorpi & Markus Pudelko, 2021. "When more is not better: A curvilinear relationship between foreign language proficiency and social categorization," Journal of International Business Studies, Palgrave Macmillan;Academy of International Business, vol. 52(1), pages 78-104, February.
    4. Zhang, Ling Eleanor & Harzing, Anne-Wil, 2016. "From dilemmatic struggle to legitimized indifference: Expatriates’ host country language learning and its impact on the expatriate-HCE relationship," Journal of World Business, Elsevier, vol. 51(5), pages 774-786.
    5. Michalski, Marina P. & Śliwa, Martyna, 2021. "‘If you use the right Arabic…’: Responses to special language standardization within the BBC Arabic Service’s linguascape," Journal of World Business, Elsevier, vol. 56(5).
    6. Mamoun Benmamoun & Hadi Alhor & Christine Ascencio & Woojong Sim, 2021. "Social enterprises in electronic markets: web localization or standardization," Electronic Markets, Springer;IIM University of St. Gallen, vol. 31(1), pages 215-231, March.
    7. Davina Vora & Lee Martin & Stacey R. Fitzsimmons & Andre A. Pekerti & C. Lakshman & Salma Raheem, 2019. "Multiculturalism within individuals: A review, critique, and agenda for future research," Journal of International Business Studies, Palgrave Macmillan;Academy of International Business, vol. 50(4), pages 499-524, June.
    8. Tenzer, Helene & Terjesen, Siri & Harzing, Anne-Wil, 2017. "Language in international business : A review and agenda for future research," Other publications TiSEM 8afd108a-9666-4fbb-934f-6, Tilburg University, School of Economics and Management.
    9. Hao Liang & Christopher Marquis & Luc Renneboog & Sunny Li Sun, 2018. "Future-Time Framing: The Effect of Language on Corporate Future Orientation," Organization Science, INFORMS, vol. 29(6), pages 1093-1111, December.
    10. Hejazi, Walid, 2022. "What subnational analysis could mean for IB research? Evidence for home bias reversals based on catchment area alcohol sales in Ontario," Journal of World Business, Elsevier, vol. 57(6).
    11. Helene Tenzer & Siri Terjesen & Anne-Wil Harzing, 2017. "Language in International Business: A Review and Agenda for Future Research," Management International Review, Springer, vol. 57(6), pages 815-854, December.
    12. Päivi Karhunen & Anne Kankaanranta & Tiina Räisänen, 2023. "Towards a Richer Understanding of Language and Identity in the MNC: Constructing Cosmopolitan Identities Through “English”," Management International Review, Springer, vol. 63(3), pages 507-530, June.
    13. David P. Kroon & Joep P. Cornelissen & Eero Vaara, 2015. "Explaining Employees’ Reactions towards a Cross-Border Merger: The Role of English Language Fluency," Management International Review, Springer, vol. 55(6), pages 775-800, December.
    14. Hari Bapuji & Snehanjali Chrispal & Balagopal Vissa & Gokhan Ertug, 2023. "Local, yet global: Implications of caste for MNEs and international business," Journal of International Business Policy, Palgrave Macmillan, vol. 6(2), pages 201-234, June.
    15. Stacey Fitzsimmons & Mustafa F. Özbilgin & David C. Thomas & Stella Nkomo, 2023. "Equality, diversity, and inclusion in international business: A review and research agenda," Journal of International Business Studies, Palgrave Macmillan;Academy of International Business, vol. 54(8), pages 1402-1422, October.
    16. Zhang, Yi & Hussain, Taiba, 2021. "SIEs’ interaction and adaptation to their task performance," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 128(C), pages 370-380.
    17. Aichhorn, Nathalie & Puck, Jonas, 2017. "Bridging the language gap in multinational companies: Language strategies and the notion of company-speak," Journal of World Business, Elsevier, vol. 52(3), pages 386-403.
    18. Barner-Rasmussen, Wilhelm & Gaibrois, Claudine & Wilmot, Natalie Victoria, 2024. "Perfection, hybridity or shutting up? A cross-country study of how language ideologies shape participation in international business," International Business Review, Elsevier, vol. 33(1).
    19. Christopher Richardson & Shaizatulaqma Kamalul Ariffin, 2019. "A Leap of Faith? Managerial Religiosity And Market Entry Decisions," Management International Review, Springer, vol. 59(2), pages 277-305, April.

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