Skip to Main Content

Life in a New Language

Online ISBN:
9780190084325
Print ISBN:
9780190084288
Publisher:
Oxford University Press
Book

Life in a New Language

Ingrid Piller,
Ingrid Piller

Distinguished Professor of Applied Linguistics

Macquarie University, Sydney
Find on
Donna Butorac,
Donna Butorac

Senior Lecturer and Course Coordinator of Anthropology and Sociology

Curtin University, Perth
Find on
Emily Farrell,
Emily Farrell

Global Commercial Director for Open Research

Taylor & Francis
Find on
Loy Lising,
Loy Lising

Senior Lecturer in Linguistics

Macquarie University, Sydney
Find on
Shiva Motaghi-Tabari,
Shiva Motaghi-Tabari

Honorary Research Fellow in Linguistics

Macquarie University, Sydney
Find on
Vera Williams Tetteh
Vera Williams Tetteh

Honorary Research Fellow in Linguistics

Macquarie University, Sydney
Find on
Published online:
20 June 2024
Published in print:
12 July 2024
Online ISBN:
9780190084325
Print ISBN:
9780190084288
Publisher:
Oxford University Press

Abstract

International migration is at an all-time high as ever more people move across national borders for work or study, in search of refuge or adventure. Regardless of their motivations and whether they intend their moves to be temporary or permanent, all transnational migrants face the challenge of re-building their lives in a different cultural and linguistic context, far away from family and friends, and the everyday routines of their previous lives. Established populations in destination countries may treat migrants with benign neglect at best and outright hostility at worst. How then do migrants make a new life? To answer that question, this book 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. Reusing data from six separate sociolinguistic ethnographies, the book illuminates participants’ lived experience of learning and communicating in a new language, finding work, and doing family. Additionally, participants’ experiences with racism and identity-making in a new context are explored. The research uncovers not only significant hardship, but also migrants’ courage and resilience. The book has implications for language service provision, migration policy, and social justice movements.

Contents
Close
This Feature Is Available To Subscribers Only

Sign In or Create an Account

Close

This PDF is available to Subscribers Only

View Article Abstract & Purchase Options

For full access to this pdf, sign in to an existing account, or purchase an annual subscription.

Close