Bilingual and Bicultural Research Teams: Unpacking the Complexities

Area of Science:

• Social Sciences
• Health Equity Research
• Community-Based Participatory Research

Background:

• Research with marginalized communities often involves diverse teams.
• The term "bilingual/bicultural" is frequently used to describe these teams.
• However, the utility and precision of this term warrant critical examination.

Purpose of the Study:

• To critically evaluate the common use of the term "bilingual/bicultural" in research team descriptions.
• To differentiate the concepts of "bilingual" and "bicultural" individually and in combination.
• To offer recommendations for enhancing the clarity and accuracy of describing diverse research teams.

Main Methods:

• This is a perspectives article, not an empirical study.
• It involves a conceptual analysis and review of the terms "bilingual" and "bicultural".
• Recommendations are developed based on the analysis.

Main Results:

• The terms "bilingual" and "bicultural" have distinct meanings and should not be conflated.
• Using "bilingual/bicultural" without clear definition can obscure the specific strengths and needs of research teams.
• Increased diversity in research teams is crucial, but requires precise language.

Conclusions:

• Researchers, journals, and funding agencies should adopt more precise language when describing team diversity.
• Moving beyond the "bilingual/bicultural" label is necessary for accurately representing and supporting diverse research efforts.
• Clearer terminology will foster more equitable and effective research practices.