How Do Emirati University Students Develop Their Academic Biliteracy?

• In Event: Research in Progress Roundtable Session 3
  In Invited Roundtable: Student Experiences in Higher Education: Understanding the Implications of Race, Class, and National Identity (Table 2)

Abstract

This study explores the development of academic biliteracy among Emirati university students through Hornberger’s model of biliteracy and Bourdieu’s economics of linguistic exchanges. Using a sequential mixed-method design, Phase 1 involved qualitative ethnographic interviews with 30 students across three UAE public universities. Phase 2 will develop and administer a quantitative survey to approximately 200 students in Education and English disciplines, informed by Phase 1 findings and literature. Reflexive thematic analysis will be used for qualitative data, while structural equation modeling will analyze quantitative data. By identifying factors shaping academic biliteracy, this research offers evidence-based insights to inform interventions aimed at enhancing academic biliteracy among Emirati students.

Authors

• Eman Rababa, United Arab Emirates University

• Qilong Zhang, United Arab Emirates University