23417: Linguism’s Impact on Careers: Identity Formation, Mobility, Flexibility in Multinational Corporation

This panel symposium explores how linguicism—discrimination or favouritism based on language—shapes career identity, mobility, and flexibility in multinational corporations (MNCs). Despite the growing focus on diversity and inclusion in global organisations, linguistic discrimination remains underexplored, particularly its profound impact on employees' professional trajectories and identity formation. Through the lenses of linguistic hegemony, language-based microaggressions, linguistic discrimination, and linguistic flexibility, the session will examine how language practices influence career experiences in MNCs. By engaging a diverse group of scholars and practitioners, this symposium aims to combine theoretical, empirical, and practical insights to illuminate the ways linguistic practices create barriers or opportunities for employees. The discussion will highlight actionable strategies to foster equitable linguistic policies and practices that support inclusivity and enable all employees to thrive, irrespective of their linguistic backgrounds. By addressing these challenges, the symposium aims to contribute to rethinking organisational dynamics and advancing the discourse on diversity and inclusion in global workplaces.