Linguistic Empowerment Through Multilingual Approach for Sustainable Growth and Development
Idowu P. Odebiyi
& Julius A. Oyewole
Published in AKSUJEL - May, 2025
Abstract
This research investigates the critical role of linguistic empowerment in advancing sustainable development, focussing on its impact on education, employability, and security through multilingual approaches. The study addresses the pressing need for inclusive language policies in an increasingly globalised world, where linguistic diversity can be a powerful tool for socio-economic progress. This study is grounded in Noam Chomsky’s Universal Grammar (UG) theory, which posits that humans possess an innate linguistic capacity with universal principles that facilitate language acquisition. Employing a mixed-methods approach, including case studies, surveys, and interviews across diverse geographical contexts, the research examines four key areas: the impact of multilingual education programmes on academic achievement and cultural awareness; the influence of multilingual proficiency on employability and career progression; the role of linguistic diversity in promoting social cohesion and mitigating security risks; and strategies for integrating multilingual approaches into sustainable development policies. Findings reveal that multilingual education programmes significantly enhance both academic performance and intercultural competence among students. The research also demonstrates a strong positive correlation between multilingual skills and improved employment prospects across various industrial and governance sectors. Furthermore, linguistic diversity is shown to play a crucial role in fostering social cohesion and reducing security risks in multicultural societies. The study thus proposes a comprehensive framework for incorporating multilingual strategies into development initiatives. This research contributes to the growing body of literature on language policy and sustainable development, and proffers practical submissions for policymakers, educators, and development experts. By highlighting the transformative potential of linguistic empowerment, the study underscores the importance of multilingual approaches in achieving the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals and fostering a more equitable and prosperous global society.
Authors
- Idowu Paul Odebiyi
Department of Linguistics,
University of Ilesa, Ilesa, Osun State, Nigeria.
idowu_odebiyi@unilesa.edu.ng - Julius Ademola Oyewole
Department of English,
University of Ilesa, Ilesa, Osun State, Nigeria.
julius_oyewole@unilesa.edu.ng
ORCID ID: https://orcid.org/0009-0001-9743-2445