Towards an understanding of the language–integration nexus: a qualitative study of forced migrants’ experiences in multilingual Luxembourg

Doctoral thesis (2019)

This cumulative thesis offers insights into the under-researched area of linguistic integration in multilingual societies. It is a collection of four papers that seek to address key questions such as: How ... [more ▼]

This cumulative thesis offers insights into the under-researched area of linguistic integration in multilingual societies. It is a collection of four papers that seek to address key questions such as: How can people’s existing language resources be validated and used to aid language learning? What are the politics of language and integration in settings of complex linguistic diversity? What role do language ideologies play in their creation and/or perception? What types of individual trajectories emerge? The research reported here is grounded in the Luxembourgish context, which represents an important European focal point for exploring the dynamics of linguistic integration. Taking a qualitative approach informed by linguistic ethnography (Copland & Creese 2015; Pérez-Milans 2016; Rampton 2007a; Rampton et al. 2015; Tusting & Maybin 2007), this work focuses on the language learning and integration experiences of five men who, fleeing war and violence, sought international protection in the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg. Building on theories of multilingual communication (Canagarajah & Wurr 2011), translanguaging (Creese & Blackledge 2010; García & Li Wei 2014) and receptive multilingualism (ten Thije et. al. 2012), the first paper of this thesis considers the affordances of multilingual learning situations in classroom-based language training for forced migrants. The second paper moves on to scrutinise the instrumental and integrative dimensions of language (Ager 2001), as articulated and perceived by the research participants. It exposes the vagueness and contradictory logics of linguistic integration as currently practiced, and throws light on how people with precarious immigration status interpret, experience and act upon ideologies surrounding language and integration (cf. Cederberg 2014; Gal 2006; Kroskrity 2004; Stevenson 2006). The third paper, likewise, directs attention to the controversies and potential unwarranted adverse effects of current linguistic integration policies. Through juxtaposing the trajectories of two forced migrants – who shared similar, multi-layered linguistic repertoires (Blommaert & Backus 2013; Busch 2012, 2017) – this part of the thesis elucidates the embodied efforts, emotions, and constraints inherent in constructing a new (linguistic) belonging in contemporary societies. Taken together, these papers illustrate and expand the discussion about the language–integration nexus. Additionally, by bringing into focus multilingual realities and mobile aspirations, they seek to provide a fresh impetus for research, and contribute to the creation of language policies that recognise a larger range of communicative possibilities and forms of language knowledge (cf. Ricento 2014; Flubacher & Yeung 2016). The thesis also makes a methodological contribution, by demonstrating the value of cross-language qualitative research methods in migration and integration research. It includes a detailed discussion of the complexities of researching in a multilingual context (Holmes et al. 2013; Phipps 2013b), as well as a novel inquiry into the interactional dynamics of an interpreter-mediated research encounter (fourth paper). [less ▲]

(Im)mobilizing languages

Scientific Conference (2019, September 19)

This presentation is concerned with the impact of multilingualism on forced migrants’ trajectories. It reports the findings of a two-year qualitative research project, which used ethnographic research ... [more ▼]

This presentation is concerned with the impact of multilingualism on forced migrants’ trajectories. It reports the findings of a two-year qualitative research project, which used ethnographic research methods, including narrative and go-along interviews, classroom and participant observations and linguistic analysis of interactional data. The project set out to investigate how forced migrants reflect, position, and affirm themselves – through languages – in multilingual societies. Our contribution aligns itself with the body of research that challenges hegemonic monolingual and monocultural practices (Grzymala-Kazlowska/Phillimore 2018, Van Avermaet 2009). Other major influences were Juffermans and Tavares’s (2017) research on south-north trajectories and linguistic repertoires, Stevenson’s (2014, 2017) work on language (hi)stories and Busch’s (2017) biographical explorations of Spracherleben. In this talk, the focus will be on the experiences of three men from Syria and Iraq who have obtained humanitarian protection in Luxembourg, but aspire to fulfil their integration aspirations across multiple locations and countries. A careful analysis of divergent trajectories sheds light on how experiences of linguistic inequality and/or success are imprinted on forced migrants’ repertoires and shape their understanding of (successful) integration. [less ▲]

Multilingualism in forced migration research: insights from an ethnographic study in Luxembourg

Scientific Conference (2018, September 27)

This paper outlines some methodological considerations for researching integration trajectories in multilingual societies. It draws on a linguistic ethnographic study undertaken in Luxembourg. It ... [more ▼]

This paper outlines some methodological considerations for researching integration trajectories in multilingual societies. It draws on a linguistic ethnographic study undertaken in Luxembourg. It discusses ways of accommodating the participants’ (and my own) multilingual but distinct language competences. I reflect upon how my positionality as a multilingual researcher became part of the research process, shaping both the research design and the relationships I had with the informants. Multilingual research practices can play a fundamental role in empowering participants and privileging their voices in migration-related studies. This paper outlines some of the benefits/complexities that can arise if both participants and researchers draw on their old and newly acquired language resources. In this connection, I will argue that narrative analysis allows a refined understanding of foreign- and cross-language exchanges, which in turn helps to uncover the many ways in which linguistic integration can be understood, practiced and experienced. Narratives also proved to be an excellent tool for exploring multiple and shifting ideological stances in (meta)discourses surrounding language, identity and societal participation in the context of this research. [less ▲]

Walks in Luxembourg: researching forced migrants’ multilingual language practices

Scientific Conference (2018, March 28)

Luxembourg has a long-standing tradition of multilingualism: according to the 1984 language law, Luxembourgish, German and French are all acknowledged as languages of administration. This rich linguistic ... [more ▼]

Luxembourg has a long-standing tradition of multilingualism: according to the 1984 language law, Luxembourgish, German and French are all acknowledged as languages of administration. This rich linguistic environment is further complexified by the languages and language varieties of the large international community – composed of 160 different nationalities – that resides in Luxembourg City. Hence, other languages such as English, Portuguese or Italian might be equally important for navigating local life. Most members of the local society move fluidly back and forth between a multitude of languages, often within a single speech event. Luxembourg’s multilingualism is not territory-based; it is reflected in different patterns of language use that are intertwined with competing social positions and collective identities (Horner, 2015). This contribution presents data from an ongoing doctoral research project that follows the language learning trajectory of five asylum applicants in Luxembourg. The project follows a linguistic ethnographic approach (Copland & Creese, 2015), which is well suited to reveal the participants’ attitudes towards different languages, practices and (linguistic) identities. Based on participant observation, interviewing and go-alongs (Kusenbach, 2003), the present contribution examines how research participants draw on their linguistic resources as they move across different sites in their daily trajectories. Their language practices are analysed as in situ responses to specific situations/settings in Luxembourg’s multilingual environment. Our findings suggest that in their daily interactions, the research participants use both their old and newly-acquired language resources, without too much regard to the boundaries between them. This confirms the asylum applicants’ positive attitude towards Luxembourg’s languages and their wish to incorporate a wide range of local resources into their communicative repertoires (Kalocsányiová, 2017). By the same token, the participants’ multilingual practices are indicative of new complex forms of linguistic identification. [less ▲]

At the borders of languages: the role of ideologies in the integration of forced migrants in multilingual Luxembourg

in Journal of Ethnic and Migration Studies (2018)

This paper considers the role of language ideologies in the linguistic integration of forced migrants. It discusses the findings of an ethnographic exploration that was conducted in Luxembourg with five ... [more ▼]

This paper considers the role of language ideologies in the linguistic integration of forced migrants. It discusses the findings of an ethnographic exploration that was conducted in Luxembourg with five individuals who sought refuge there. A network of teachers and institutional representatives constituted the secondary pool of research participants. Through analysis of metalinguistic discourse and narrative episodes, the paper scrutinises the instrumental and integrative dimensions of language. In particular, it draws attention to and problematises the hegemonic ideologies that inform linguistic integration. By bringing into focus multilingual realities and mobile aspirations, this research seeks to provide a new impetus to the reconceptualisation of integration. [less ▲]

What Happens Next? Language Learning Trajectory of an Iraqi Asylum Seeker in Luxembourg

Scientific Conference (2017, May 05)

The Grand Duchy of Luxembourg is often portrayed as a country of immigration. Official government policies continually draw upon the rhetoric of trilingualism to support claims about the country’s ... [more ▼]

The Grand Duchy of Luxembourg is often portrayed as a country of immigration. Official government policies continually draw upon the rhetoric of trilingualism to support claims about the country’s openness and multicultural spirit. This, along with the recognition of three languages – Luxembourgish, German and French – is expected to facilitate the integration of foreign nationals. It is claimed no Luxembourger is monolingual: moving fluidly back and forth between a multitude of languages is a communication method in its own right and members of the local society are believed to excel in it. Despite widespread acceptance and favourable attitudes towards multilingualism, language resources outside the recognised trilingual model have ambiguous statuses. As a result, broader societal multilingualism is perceived as problematic in numerous instances (Horner & Weber, 2008; Horner, 2015). In present-day language ideological debates, the strong presence of foreigners tends to be perceived as a threat to the established language regime and particularly to the position of the Luxembourgish language. The role of Luxembourgish as “language of integration” has been increasingly emphasised, although it is the one resource new arrivals are least likely to have in their communicative repertoires (de Bres, 2014). The often conflicting nationalist and multilingual language ideologies give rise to ambivalent messages as to what languages and what identities should be offered to newcomers, among them to the refugees who have sought international protection in Luxembourg. This contribution offers detailed insights into the linguistic integration trajectory of an Iraqi asylum seeker who arrived to Luxembourg in the summer of 2015. Our aim is to explore how his language resources are being compiled, enhanced and discarded in the course of the integration process, i.e. the reorganisation of his communicative repertoire. As integration seldom starts from scratch, first we report on language resources the research participant accumulated prior to his arrival to Luxembourg. These are being discussed in the context of his educational and professional experiences and future life-projects. Secondly, we examine his language learning trajectory bearing in mind the competing linguistic ideologies and practices refugees are required to adjust in their daily efforts to integrate in Luxembourg. Thirdly, we offer examples of the language practices he engaged in. These demonstrate how he responded to multilingual social settings in both language use and attitudes towards the languages and identities offered. Furthermore, they provide clues about what language resources have become part of his complex repertoire. Blommaert and Backus (2013) described language learning as a “process of growth” drawing attention to the fact that repertoires do not develop in linear fashion, but “explosively in some phases of life and gradually in some others”. Our data suggest that the process of repertoire-building is highly dynamic during this transition period. The research participant’s deliberate use of newly-acquired language resources, without regard to how well he knows the languages involved, indicates new forms of linguistic identification. These include fluid multilingual practices, which are considered to be expressions of his new emerging identity. This contribution presents data from an ongoing linguistic ethnographic research (obtained through interviews, classroom observations and shadowing) and will include a discussion about the challenges brought by working with vulnerable research participants and the need to research multilingually. [less ▲]

Multilingualism in Language Classes for Refugees in Luxembourg: Second Language Teaching or Repertoire Building?

Scientific Conference (2016, October 22)

Official trilingualism is often drawn upon to portray Luxembourg as a heterogeneous society with high levels of linguistic capital, where multilingualism is declared to be an asset both at individual and ... [more ▼]

Official trilingualism is often drawn upon to portray Luxembourg as a heterogeneous society with high levels of linguistic capital, where multilingualism is declared to be an asset both at individual and societal level. With the increased number and shifted geographic origin of migrants from refugee backgrounds new questions surface concerning the linguistic integration of these new arrivals, who are often incorrectly associated with zerolingualism and whose language capital is seldom perceived as a valuable asset. It has been argued that in contexts of forced migration one cannot talk of second or foreign language learning: migrants are not acquiring the language(s) of the mainstream society for the mere reason of approximating native speakers’ performances; these languages form part of their everyday lived experiences, hence they have to appropriate features that best suit their needs. Accordingly, their full linguistic repertoires constitute single integrated continua that include all the language resources they have learned and accumulated. In line with this and contesting the idea of zerolingualism, we maintain that through a wide variety of trajectories ranging from comprehensive learning to informal encounters with languages, migrants from refugee backgrounds have developed partial, truncated competences in several languages that have resulted in complex linguistic repertoires. Our contribution aims at investigating whether the recognition of multilingualism in Luxembourg entails the acknowledgment of the refugees’ full linguistic repertoires, or on the contrary, it remains limited to the appreciation of official trilingualism and proficiency in standard English. In our analysis we are going to rely on data collected in the context of a French language course for beginners, which is offered to newly arrived migrants by volunteer teachers. Besides commenting on the presence (or absence) of multilingual approaches, we seek to explore whether migrant language features are acknowledged as useful resources and how, if at all, the class draws on the fluid use of all the languages present for both learning and functional purposes. On this note, we aim to determine what is more prominent in this context: the monoglossic perspective where languages are conceived in a linear and compartmentalised way or a repertoire-building approach based on awareness and positive attitudes towards teachers’ and learners’ multilingual repertoires. [less ▲]

Dynamic encounters between asylum applicants and the multilingual society of Luxembourg - linguistic repertoires built with truncated competences?

Scientific Conference (2016, October 05)

Our contribution aims at investigating the communication challenges brought by a rather abrupt and recent change in Luxembourg’s refugee intake patterns, reflected in the increased number and shifted ... [more ▼]

Our contribution aims at investigating the communication challenges brought by a rather abrupt and recent change in Luxembourg’s refugee intake patterns, reflected in the increased number and shifted geographic origin of international protection applicants. We have adopted a border studies approach to explore the new linguistic and social reality, which emerges through continuous interactions between the diverse, mobile and multilingual society of Luxembourg, on one hand, and on the other hand, the linguistic and cultural repertoires that recently arrived asylum seekers – mostly Syrians, Iraqis and Afghanis – bring to this context. We argue that theoretical and applied knowledge generated by previous research on multilingualism in cross-border regions is transferable to this new field of inquiry. [less ▲]