Babel in the Workshop: Multilingualism and Power Dynamics inConstruction Sites across Continents

Abstract

Construction sites are inherently multilingual spaces, teeming with diverse workers navigating complex tasks and hierarchical relationships amidst a cacophony of languages. This article delves into the intricate interplay between multilingualism and power dynamics in construction sites across continents. Drawing on ethnographic research conducted in Pakistan, India, the United Arab Emirates, and the United States, it sheds light on how language practices both reflect and reinforce existing power structures. The analysis reveals how language hierarchies, translanguaging strategies, and linguistic discrimination shape worker agency, identity construction, and overall project dynamics. The article concludes by advocating for inclusive language policies and interventions that empower multilingual workforces and foster equitable collaboration on construction sites.