Multilingualism as a Resource for the Kashmiri MS English Students in Pakistan

Abstract

Multilingualism is increasingly recognized as a valuable resource with numerous benefits at individual, societal, and global levels. Previous research suggests that multilingualism as a resource offers cognitive advantages, enhances communication skills and fosters cultural understanding in multiple domains. The area though remains less explored for Kashmiri multilingual students. The paper thereby aims to investigate how multilingualism influences the academic performance and socio-cultural lives of multilingual Kashmiri students in academic settings. Through a qualitative research methodology involving focus group interviews with Kashmiri students, the study aspires to explore the impact of multilingualism on academic performance and its influence on the socio-cultural aspects of students within an academic environment. The collected data underwent thematic analysis of the interviews to provide an in depth understanding of the subject. Moreover, the research concludes that multilingualism serves as a vital resource for Kashmiri MS students, significantly enhancing their academic performance, socio-cultural existence, and cognitive, cultural, and social capacities, while empowering them to excel in a multicultural academic environment.