New Books in Language Life in a New Language, Part 1: Identities
Jun 12, 2024
Guest
Vera Willia
Guest
Shiva Motaghi Tabari
Guest
Loy Lising
Guest
Emily Farrell
Guest
Donna Butorac
Guest
Ingrid Piller
Ingrid Piller, Donna Butorac, Emily Farrell, Loy Lising, Shiva Motaghi Tabari, and Vera Williams Tetteh are co-authors of a compelling new book on migrants' language and settlement experiences in Australia. They delve into how migration reshapes identities, exploring personal and emotional challenges faced by newcomers. The discussion touches on societal biases, the impact of language barriers on employment, and the vital role of collaboration in academia. Their insights illuminate the intricate ties between language, identity, and community in a multicultural context.
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Language Barriers in Migrant Families
- A Brazilian family migrated to Japan for five years, where the daughter primarily spoke Japanese.
- After moving to Australia, the daughter initially refused to learn English, creating a language barrier with her mother.
Confidence in a New Language
- Some migrants feel more confident speaking English than their native language, even with limited proficiency.
- This confidence boost can be linked to cultural affordances and perceived freedoms in the new environment.
Liberation Through Language
- Two Japanese women found English allowed them to escape social pressures and gender roles associated with their native language.
- One woman described having "many masks" in Japanese but felt more authentic and confident in English.