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Chapter 10. An autoethnography of migration, language, and power dynamics

  • Elli Nik
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Reflexive and Reflective Research Approaches in Applied Linguistics
This chapter is in the book Reflexive and Reflective Research Approaches in Applied Linguistics

Abstract

This chapter explores the influence of power structures and social imaginaries on my language choices as a migrant residing in Australia and using English as a foreign language. The methodology adopted in this chapter is critical autoethnography. It critically examines the phenomenon of English linguistic imperialism. Through the sharing of personal narratives, the chapter highlights instances where I have observed power imbalances in my everyday interactions as a migrant in Australia, prompting me to switch to English in the presence of others. By delving into these experiences, this research sheds light on the complex dynamics of language use and the implications of power differentials within a multicultural context. This chapter contributes to enhancing the understanding of sociolinguistic challenges confronted by migrants and the influence of dominant language ideologies on their linguistic practices. By providing insights that foster increased awareness and empathy, it offers a pathway towards promoting a more inclusive and equitable language environment within multicultural societies.

Abstract

This chapter explores the influence of power structures and social imaginaries on my language choices as a migrant residing in Australia and using English as a foreign language. The methodology adopted in this chapter is critical autoethnography. It critically examines the phenomenon of English linguistic imperialism. Through the sharing of personal narratives, the chapter highlights instances where I have observed power imbalances in my everyday interactions as a migrant in Australia, prompting me to switch to English in the presence of others. By delving into these experiences, this research sheds light on the complex dynamics of language use and the implications of power differentials within a multicultural context. This chapter contributes to enhancing the understanding of sociolinguistic challenges confronted by migrants and the influence of dominant language ideologies on their linguistic practices. By providing insights that foster increased awareness and empathy, it offers a pathway towards promoting a more inclusive and equitable language environment within multicultural societies.

Chapters in this book

  1. Prelim pages i
  2. Table of contents v
  3. List of contributors vii
  4. Chapter 1. Reflectivity and reflexivity in qualitative research and scholarship 1
  5. Part I. Reflectivity and reflexivity in research
  6. Chapter 2. Transformative possibilities of autoethnography 22
  7. Chapter 3. Duoethnography 41
  8. Chapter 4. Toward an understanding of currere as a research method 61
  9. Chapter 5. Telling stories matters 80
  10. Part II. Reflectivity and reflexivity and Applied Linguistics Research
  11. Chapter 6. Affordances and limitations of autoethnography as a research method in Applied Linguistics 98
  12. Chapter 7. The role of duoethnography in critical ELT research 120
  13. Chapter 8. Currere 139
  14. Chapter 9. Narrative inquiry in Applied Linguistics Research 152
  15. Part III. Reflective and reflexive studies
  16. Chapter 10. An autoethnography of migration, language, and power dynamics 172
  17. Chapter 11. Duoethnographic inquiry into translingualism and language teacher identity 188
  18. Chapter 12. Past, present, and future 206
  19. Chapter 13. When children don’t learn to read 223
  20. Coda
  21. Chapter 14. Contemporary Applied Linguistics Research 248
  22. Author index 267
  23. Subject index 269
https://doi.org/10.1075/rmal.8.10nik

Chapters in this book

  1. Prelim pages i
  2. Table of contents v
  3. List of contributors vii
  4. Chapter 1. Reflectivity and reflexivity in qualitative research and scholarship 1
  5. Part I. Reflectivity and reflexivity in research
  6. Chapter 2. Transformative possibilities of autoethnography 22
  7. Chapter 3. Duoethnography 41
  8. Chapter 4. Toward an understanding of currere as a research method 61
  9. Chapter 5. Telling stories matters 80
  10. Part II. Reflectivity and reflexivity and Applied Linguistics Research
  11. Chapter 6. Affordances and limitations of autoethnography as a research method in Applied Linguistics 98
  12. Chapter 7. The role of duoethnography in critical ELT research 120
  13. Chapter 8. Currere 139
  14. Chapter 9. Narrative inquiry in Applied Linguistics Research 152
  15. Part III. Reflective and reflexive studies
  16. Chapter 10. An autoethnography of migration, language, and power dynamics 172
  17. Chapter 11. Duoethnographic inquiry into translingualism and language teacher identity 188
  18. Chapter 12. Past, present, and future 206
  19. Chapter 13. When children don’t learn to read 223
  20. Coda
  21. Chapter 14. Contemporary Applied Linguistics Research 248
  22. Author index 267
  23. Subject index 269
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