Conforming migrant ideologies of English: The homogenising impact of linguistic stratification

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18192/olbij.v13i1.6630

Keywords:

Australia, language ideologies, linguistic stratification, migrants, multiculturalism, translation and interpreting

Abstract

This article aims to examine English language ideologies held by translators and interpreters from migrant backgrounds in Australia in relation to transnational mobility and migrants’ effort to fit into the host society. Based on the analysis of mediatised autobiographical narratives written by language workers, the article explores how mobility desires and integration efforts are tied to English language ideologies shaped by linguistic stratification. Specific attention is paid to discursive processes by which beliefs in English are constructed and naturalised in line with the dominant language ideologies attached to English. Analysis demonstrates that positive ideologies of English are constantly highlighted and mobilised to simplify the reality, whereas the actual conditions which affect migrants remain predominantly unsaid. By exploring the intersections between language ideologies and linguistic stratification, the article considers language ideologies as a way of deepening our understanding about the relationships between linguistic stratification and macro power structures.

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Published

2024-01-23

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