ERIC Number: EJ1025139
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2013
Pages: 30
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1479-0718
EISSN: N/A
Multilinguals and Their Sociolinguistic Profiles: Observations on Language Use Amongst Three Vintages of Migrants in Melbourne
Hlavac, Jim
International Journal of Multilingualism, v10 n4 p411-440 2013
This paper presents profiles of eight multilinguals and examines the circumstances that determine their continued use, in addition to English, of at least two of their "home" languages. I attempt to identify in which domains this occurs, whether there are established patterns of domain-specific language use and whether these patterns are maintained or altered to encompass informants' continued multilingualism. Further, the three vintages of informants offer cross-generational comparison. Findings reveal that informants have been able to establish social networks similar to those that they have been part of before arrival in Australia. This has been instrumental for them to remain multilingual. These social networks are primarily family- and friend-based, together with the neighbourhood and workplace domains. There are few cross-vintage differences in the importance and function of these networks to informants. Further, informants' self-descriptions of a mono-, bi- or multicultural identity may change after arrival in Melbourne. However, these self-descriptions need not have synonymous effects on linguistic behaviour and language choice.
Descriptors: Multilingualism, Social Networks, Foreign Countries, Comparative Analysis, Profiles, English (Second Language), Second Language Learning, Language Usage, Native Language, Neighborhoods, Self Concept, Work Environment, Immigrants, Sociolinguistics, Language Maintenance, Case Studies, Friendship, Leisure Time, Ethnography, Interviews, Observation
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Australia
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A