Ingrid Piller, Donna Butorac, Emily Farrell, Loy Lising, Shiva Motaghi Tabari, and Vera Williams Tett, co-authors of a groundbreaking study on migrants' language experiences, dive into the complex relationship between language, identity, and citizenship. They explore the struggles of migrants in Australia, touching on issues like Othering and belonging. The guests also discuss the balancing act of motherhood with academic pursuits and the transition from academia to publishing, shedding light on the joys and challenges of their dual roles.
The podcast emphasizes that language proficiency alone does not guarantee acceptance in a new community, as accent often influences perceptions of migrants.
Personal narratives illustrate the complexity of balancing cultural identity and familial connections while adapting to life in a new country.
Deep dives
Exploring Migration Experiences
The episode delves into the book 'Life in a New Language,' which highlights the language learning and settlement experiences of 130 migrants from various countries. Over two decades, the research captures the challenges and triumphs faced by individuals as they adjust to their new environments. The study emphasizes the role of language in shaping identities, finding employment, and building family life in a foreign country. Personal accounts reveal not only significant hardships, such as racism and integration difficulties, but also the resilience and courage displayed by migrants in overcoming these obstacles.
The Complexity of Belonging
Participants in the research often grapple with their sense of belonging, even when they possess high proficiency in English. Accentedness plays a crucial role in how they are perceived by others, influencing their integration into the local community. Despite their achievements, such as obtaining advanced degrees, societal assumptions based on their accents can render them 'other.' This ongoing tension highlights that linguistic competence alone does not guarantee acceptance; identity formation and communal integration are multidimensional processes that continue to challenge many migrants.
Narratives of Identity and Language
Personal narratives collected in the study showcase the diverse experiences of families as they navigate life in Australia. One particularly compelling story involves a Polish couple who built their relationship and family amidst their travels in different countries. Their experience illustrates the interplay of multiple languages within family life, as they maintain their cultural identities while integrating into Australian society. Such examples underscore the importance of familial connections and how language serves as a conduit for maintaining cultural heritage in an environment that demands adaptation.
Impact on Policy and Community Relations
The book advocates for an understanding of migration experiences that transcends stereotypes and simplifies narratives in public discourse. By combining six ethnographic studies, it provides a comprehensive view that can inform migration policy and community support systems. The research aims to bridge the gap between qualitative findings and broader societal implications, encouraging empathy and respect in individual interactions with migrants. Ultimately, it calls for a more nuanced approach to understanding migration and language, paving the way for positive societal change.
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. 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. Emily Farrell, with a focus on citizenship, Othering, and belonging. The conversation also homes in on the joys and challenges of juggling book writing and motherhood, and leaving academia for a career in publishing.
For additional resources, show notes, and transcripts, go here.