Previous studies have demonstrated the mostly negative and sometimes positive effects of language diversity on team dynamics such as team cohesion. This paper aims to consider how these effects develop in global virtual teams, influencing cohesion, which is considered both a team process and outcome. In order to better understand how language diversity influences team cohesion in the virtual context, an organizational ethnography on a team within a European university alliance is carried out over thirteen months. The results reveal the influence of language diversity on multiple dimensions of team cohesion (task and social cohesion, belonging, group pride and morale), which varies over time. In addition, language diversity acts as a barrier and an enabler on the different dimensions. We highlight how it enables as a means to focus on positive scholarship in the field of language-sensitive research in international business.