Heritage languages as a problem, right or resource? Language dynamics of Indian transnational immigrant families in Northern Ireland

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Abstract Summary

Whilst discussions around language policy in Northern Ireland (NI) primarily focus on its two indigenous languages: Irish (Gaelic) and Ulster-Scots, many other languages are spoken in this geopolitical context, especially those of the transnational communities. Having been settled since the 1920s, the Indians are one of the longest-established ethnic minorities in NI, representing around 0.34% of the total non-'white' residents and they speak a range of languages (Census, 2011). However, the family language policies of this community concerning their heritage languages (hence, HLs) are under-researched in the United Kingdom, particularly in NI. There is no top-down policy to promote these languages. The paper is informed by year-long ethnographic fieldwork in the Indian Community Centre in Belfast and two focus groups. The findings show the language dynamics of eight Belfast-based Indian families who are first-generation migrants. Their language practices in the home and beyond will allow us to (1) examine whether there is any hierarchy in practice regarding English and HLs in the family; (2) predict the kind of strategies these parents use individually and/or collectively to maintain their HLs and (3) identify the factors responsible for success or failure of these strategies.

Submission ID :

AILA97

Submission Type

Oral Presentation

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[SYMP35] Family as a language policy regime: Agency, practices and negotiation

Argument :

Immigration waves in many parts of the world including in Europe, Asia and the Americas have contributed to their pre-existing linguistic and cultural diversity through the spread of various heritage languages (hence, HL) and cultures. In the context of migration, HL refers to the language(s) practised in the home and familial contexts. For immigrant communities, HLs represent a fundamental means of shared expression and construction of ethnic identity. However, in the host society, the pressure of dominant language(s) on these minoritized languages is relentless, partly because many users of these languages can see more opportunities if they shift to the majority or dominant one. Despite these pressures, HL speakers to varying degrees maintain or reclaim their languages as active agents through intergenerational transmission and everyday interactions. Therefore, researching the family's language decisions regarding HLs and cultures is vital as they offer important insights into the dynamics of identity formation and home language development as well as maintenance in transnational communities.