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.
The podcast highlights how language learning, particularly English, influences the identity transformation of migrants, especially women, enhancing their confidence and self-perception.
It addresses systemic barriers in Australia's labor market that migrants face, emphasizing the need for recognition of diverse qualifications and advocacy for multilingualism.
Deep dives
Experiences of Language Learners
The podcast discusses the findings of a new book that examines the language learning and settlement experiences of 130 migrants to Australia over two decades. It highlights the challenges migrants face while learning a new language, as well as their efforts in finding work and integrating into their communities. Experiences of racism and identity construction are also central themes explored in the research, revealing significant hardships faced by these individuals. Ultimately, the research showcases the resilience and courage of migrants in overcoming obstacles related to language acquisition and social integration.
Impact of English on Identity
One key insight is how learning English profoundly affects the identity of migrants, particularly women. The podcast features stories of women who felt more confident speaking English than in their native languages, suggesting that cultural contexts influence their self-perception. For instance, some women recounted feeling liberated while speaking English, as it allowed them to adopt a different persona that aligned with their aspirations in a new society. This phenomenon illustrates that language learning is not solely about communication but also plays a significant role in shaping personal identity.
Barriers in the Labor Market
The episode also addresses the systemic barriers migrants face when trying to enter the labor market in Australia. Despite having valuable qualifications and experiences, many migrants encounter difficulties due to English language proficiency requirements and prejudices against non-Anglo applicants. The podcast underscores the need for recognition of diverse linguistic backgrounds and qualifications, advocating for changes to the labor market that acknowledge the value of multilingualism. Strategies to support new migrants in navigating these challenges are urged, emphasizing the importance of addressing societal attitudes toward language and identity.
This episode of the Language on the Move Podcast is part of the Life in a New Language series. Life in a New Language is a new book just out from Oxford University Press (2024). Life in a New Language examines the language learning and settlement experiences of 130 migrants to Australia from 34 different countries in Africa, Asia, Europe, and Latin America over a period of 20 years. It’s co-authored by Ingrid Piller, Donna Butorac, Emily Farrell, Loy Lising, Shiva Motaghi Tabari, and Vera Williams Tetteh.
In this series, Brynn Quick chats with each of the co-authors about their personal insights and research contributions to the book.
Today, Brynn chats with Dr. Donna Butorac, one of the book’s six co-authors, with a focus on how identities change in migration.
For additional resources, show notes, and transcripts, go here.