The Linguistic Dimensions of Financial Inclusion: Examining How Language Accessibility Influences Participation in Microfinance Programmes among Low-Income Entrepreneurs

Abstract

Financial inclusion has increasingly been recognized as a significant pathway for poverty reduction, entrepreneurship development, and socioeconomic empowerment. However, access to financial services alone does not guarantee meaningful participation, particularly among low-income populations who may encounter informational and communicative barriers. This study examines the linguistic dimensions of financial inclusion by investigating how accessibility of financial information influences participation in formal financial services. Drawing on perspectives from applied linguistics, financial capability theory, and Islamic ethical principles, the study develops an interdisciplinary framework linking communication accessibility, financial literacy, and financial inclusion. Using secondary data from the World Bank Global Findex Database 2021, the study analyses the relationship between financial information accessibility, financial literacy, and participation in formal financial systems among economically vulnerable populations. Descriptive statistics, reliability analysis, correlation analysis, regression analysis, and mediation analysis were employed to examine the proposed relationships. The findings indicate that accessible financial communication significantly contributes to financial inclusion, with financial literacy functioning as an important mediating mechanism. The study argues that financial exclusion is not only an economic challenge but also a communicative phenomenon shaped by individuals’ ability to understand and engage with financial discourse. Furthermore, Islamic ethical principles of amanah (trust), adl (justice), and maslahah (social welfare) provide valuable insights into developing transparent and inclusive financial communication practices. The study contributes to interdisciplinary scholarship by demonstrating the role of language accessibility in promoting equitable financial participation and offers practical implications for policymakers and microfinance institutions seeking to design more inclusive financial systems.