sociocultural adjustment by two international students: a critical look at multilingualism in spain

Multilingualism would potentially foster understanding, increase contact between host country members and migrants, and ease the acculturation process. acculturation and language competence are supposedly connected from the perspectives of second-language acquisition and socio-psychological adjustment in cross-cultural contacts. this article looks at the language policy of spain and its impact on the sociocultural adjustment of international students through their life stories. examining cultural adjustment experiences of two male iranian phd candidates, the current study aims to contribute to a deeper understanding of how language policies can shape sociocultural adaptation in a multicultural society like spain. qualitative data gathered through semi-structured interviews were analysed in relation to linguistic traits and social distance factors to reveal the linkages between the candidates’ linguistic competence and their acculturation orientation. results showed that the two participants faced various challenges in their cultural adjustment process, particularly in terms of language learning. it is suggested, based on the findings of the study, that multilingualism may facilitate intercultural communication and enhance social integration.