From Barriers to Gateways: Eye Tracking the Websites of University Language Communities in the UK

This study examines how the design of university language centre websites in the UK reflects their approach to linguistic diversity and language education. Through case studies from Aberystwyth, Brighton, Cambridge, and Huddersfield websites and employing a mixed-methods approach that integrates eye tracking data and feedback from System Usability Scale questionnaires, the research examines the structure and placement of hyperlinks leading to language translation options and the language course information. The findings reveal significant dissimilarities in website design and content delivery, such as limited multilingual options and inconsistencies in information accessibility. Barriers, including Anglocentric biases and ambiguous terminology, emerge as key obstacles to a seamless user experience. The study concludes with practical implications, advocating for more cohesive site management, intuitive access to translation tools, and user-centric design to foster inclusivity and promote multilingualism.