Transcending the Academic Divide: Multilingual Learners, Transnational Habitus, and Odyssey to Higher Education

• In Event: Breaking Language Barriers: Conceptualizing Language Equity in Higher Education

Abstract

Promoting postsecondary success for multilingual learners (MLs) is crucial for both their individual growth and societal development. This qualitative study examines the high school-to-university transitions of MLs from diverse backgrounds in the U.S. Representing over five million students, MLs are the fastest-growing demographic in K-12 education, yet they enroll in four-year universities at less than half the rate of their monolingual peers. Using the theory of transnational habitus, we analyze interviews with twelve immigrant-background multilingual learners, revealing diverse pathways and the importance of resilience, recognition of multilingual assets, and family and school support. The study concludes with actionable insights for educators at both K-12 and university levels to better support these linguistically diverse students in their pursuit of higher education.

Authors

• Lei Jiang, University of Kansas

• Lisa Arnold, North Dakota State University