The role of social networks in language maintenance among Bangladeshi migrants in Southeast Queensland, Australia
-
Farzana Yesmen Chowdhury
Abstract
This article is the first language maintenance research that explores language use in social networks among Bangladeshi migrants in Southeast Queensland, Australia, a group that has not been extensively studied. The ethnographic case study of 20 participants from this group of migrants investigates their language behavior and practices in different social networks. The findings of this study show how the ties of social networks act as an important area of Bangla language use and practices in Australia. They further show the persistence of Bangladeshi migrants in sustaining home country connections through their strong language maintenance. The results provide insight into the factors influencing their language choices in different social networks, emphasizing the relationship between language and identity, as well as the dynamics of social integration in the new place of settlement. Furthermore, the study suggests that the Bangla language is unlikely to disappear from this society, owing to the strong national sentiment and identity among its speakers. This study significantly enhances understanding of language maintenance in the Bangladeshi diaspora and provides a detailed and in-depth examination of language use within social networks, exploring the complex interplay between language, identity, and social networks.
Acknowledgement
This article was based on my unpublished PhD thesis. I would like to thank the University of Queensland, Australia for funding the data collection of my PhD project. I would also like to show my gratitude towards Dr Sol Rojas-Lizana for her supervision of this project.
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Appendix 1 Details of participants
|
Number |
Gender |
Age group |
Profession |
Year of arrival |
Religion |
|
1 |
M |
36–45 |
Lecturer |
2006 |
Muslim |
|
2 |
M |
26–35 |
Lecturer |
2009 |
Muslim |
|
3 |
M |
56–65 |
General Practitioner (Medical doctor) |
2001 |
Muslim |
|
4 |
M |
46–55 |
General Practitioner (Medical doctor) |
2002 |
Muslim |
|
5 |
M |
46–55 |
Engineer |
2006 |
Muslim |
|
6 |
M |
56–65 |
Govt. job holder |
1992 |
Muslim |
|
7 |
M |
36–45 |
Taxi driver |
2006 |
Muslim |
|
8 |
M |
36–45 |
Shop owner |
2008 |
Buddhist |
|
9 |
M |
36–45 |
Welder |
2006 |
Muslim |
|
10 |
M |
36–45 |
Chef |
1991 |
Muslim |
|
11 |
M |
36–45 |
Meat worker |
2006 |
Muslim |
|
12 |
M |
56–65 |
Retired |
1973 |
Christian |
|
13 |
F |
46–55 |
Lecturer |
2001 |
Muslim |
|
14 |
F |
36–45 |
Housewife |
2005 |
Muslim |
|
15 |
F |
26–35 |
Engineer |
2006 |
Muslim |
|
16 |
F |
36–45 |
Govt. job holder |
2000 |
Muslim |
|
17 |
F |
46–55 |
Shop owner |
2000 |
Muslim |
|
18 |
F |
36–45 |
Childcare |
2009 |
Hindu |
|
19 |
F |
36–45 |
Shop owner |
1995 |
Muslim |
|
20 |
F |
36–45 |
Early Childhood Educator |
2001 |
Muslim |
Appendix 2: Summary of language use data
|
Language Use in Exchange Networks (mostly Bangla) |
Language Use in Interactive Networks (Mostly English but with limited socialization) |
|
Spouses Bangla: 19 participants English: Only 1 participant (M8) |
Colleagues English: 19 participants Bangla: Only 1 participant (F19) |
|
Children Bangla: 17 participants English: Only 3 participants (M8, M12, F15) |
Neighbors English:All (20) participants |
|
Relatives Bangla: 20 participants English: Only 1 participant (M8) |
Religion Religious activities English: 13 participants Bangla: Only 2 participants (M8 and F18) Religious festivals Bangla: All (20) participants |
|
Visits from Bangladesh Bangla: 19 participants (all except M8) |
Language use in community groups Bangla: 20 participants Actively involved:17 participants (all except M9, M12, F18) |
|
Close friends Bangla: All (20) participants |
Education – Only English |
|
Shops – English and Bangla |
|
|
Professionals English: All (20) participants Bangla: 4 participants (M7, M10, F17 and F19) |
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