Mapping linguistic diversity on campus: Insights from a U.S. university-wide survey

Linguistic diversity is an important yet often overlooked aspect of campus life in U.S. higher education. Drawing on data from the 2023–2024 Linguistic Diversity Research Survey, this study investigates how students at a public East Coast university use, experience, and perceive multilingualism in their daily lives. The survey reveals a high level of linguistic diversity among students in terms of language backgrounds and everyday language practices, consistent with prior research. However, experiences of linguistic discrimination remain prevalent. Regression analyses indicate that such experiences are significantly associated with students’ perceptions of language use and the extent to which they feel the university supports multilingualism. Moreover, students’ language use and attitudes toward multilingualism vary across social identities, including race, gender, and immigration status. These findings underscore the need for institutions to move beyond symbolic recognition and adopt more inclusive policies that meaningfully support linguistic diversity on campus.