In this insightful discussion, Dr. Donna Butorac, a Senior Lecturer at Curtin University, shares her expertise on how migration reshapes identities. The conversation delves into the challenges migrants face in Australia, including racism and workforce barriers. Dr. Butorac also highlights the impact of language acquisition on self-perception and familial dynamics among immigrant families. Additionally, she emphasizes the significance of collaboration in academia, particularly among women and mothers, and the enriching experience of co-authoring a book on these pivotal topics.
The podcast reveals that migrants often experience a transformation in identity through language acquisition, impacting their confidence and societal roles.
It highlights the challenges migrants face in the labor market, including prejudice and barriers to recognizing foreign qualifications, necessitating more inclusive practices.
Deep dives
Understanding Migrant Language Learning Experiences
The podcast discusses the findings of a book that examines the language learning and settlement experiences of migrants in Australia. Through a longitudinal study involving 130 individuals from diverse backgrounds, the research reveals the challenges and triumphs faced by migrants as they learn a new language and integrate into society. Participants shared their personal narratives about acquiring language skills, finding work, and navigating cultural differences, highlighting significant obstacles such as racism and identity struggles. Overall, the book underscores the resilience and courage of migrants in the face of adversity while emphasizing the importance of supportive language services.
The Impact of English Proficiency on Identity
A key insight from the discussion centers around the complex relationship between language proficiency and personal identity among migrants. Several women in the study reported feeling more confident speaking English than in their native languages despite their varying levels of English proficiency. This phenomenon reflects not just linguistic ability, but also cultural shifts and the breaking of societal norms tied to their original languages. By using English, they could express a different version of themselves, allowing them to step outside traditional gender roles and societal expectations prevalent in their home cultures.
Challenges in the Labor Market for Migrants
The podcast highlights significant barriers migrants encounter when trying to enter the labor market in Australia. Many participants faced challenges related to prejudice and the recognition of their previous qualifications, which often led to difficulties in securing meaningful employment. Issues such as monolingualism in the labor market, which favors applicants with strong English skills, further complicate the situation for non-native speakers. The discussion underscores the need for more inclusive employment practices that acknowledge diverse linguistic backgrounds and international qualifications.
Collaborative Research and Its Benefits
The episode emphasizes the advantages of collaborative academic research, particularly within the context of co-authoring the book discussed. The authors shared their experiences working together across various disciplines and the enriching effect of combining their research insights. The collaboration allowed for a more comprehensive exploration of the themes presented in the book, showcasing diverse perspectives and methodologies. This experience not only strengthened their professional relationships but also fostered a supportive academic community that encourages shared growth and understanding.
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.