Assessing the Impact of Linguistic Diversity on Interpersonal Comfort of Multilingual Student in Surabaya

Abstract

This study investigates how linguistic differences influence communication comfort in multilingual peer relationships among Surabaya State University students. Within increasingly diverse higher education settings, interactional comfort plays a critical role in fostering peaceful, cohesive, and harmonious social bonds among students hailing from varying regional and cultural backgrounds. Employing a quantitative survey research design, empirical data was collected through structured questionnaires distributed to active university students representing a wide range of native languages and local dialects. The primary objective of this research is to evaluate the exact degree to which language discrepancies affect daily social interactions, emotional comfort, and the overall ease of building meaningful peer connections within the campus environment. By examining these dynamic patterns, the study highlights how language barriers and code-switching strategies shape social inclusion. Ultimately, the findings offer valuable empirical insights into campus social dynamics, demonstrating the pivotal role of linguistic adaptation in promoting positive interpersonal relationship development and cross-cultural understanding within multicultural academic communities.