This research explores the identities and language practices of second-generation Arab youth in Montreal, Canada. Data is collected through semi-structured interviews. Results show that almost all participants live in 'spaces of otherwise', assuming multiple identities and belongings, and showing different language practices and attitudes towards the languages they know.
Migration has not only changed the demographic, religious and linguistic make-up of Canada, but has also redefined identity, specifically for 2nd generation immigrants (Goitom, 2017). Identity intersects with other social categories such as language. Language is “an emotional bond which ensures group recognition, marks group boundaries, and demonstrates group identity” (Hammer, 2017, p. 44). There is a dearth of research on the central role of language in navigating multiple belongings particularly with minoritized 2nd generation Arab youth in Montreal (Tiflati, 2017), a city that hosts the largest Arab population in Canada (Statistics Canada, 2016). My research explores the identities of 2nd generation Arab youth in Montreal, their language practises, and the extent to which language plays a role in their navigation of their multiple belongings. I use intersectionality theory which explains how the interrelations of social categories can create social inequalities for minoritized individuals (Crenshaw, 1989; Hunting, 2014). I explore how a dynamic identity is continuously being reconstructed as it intersects with categories such as belonging, culture, ethnicity, religion, and specifically language, among other social systems of power (Hankivsky, 2014). To collect data, I interviewed fourteen 2nd generation Arab youth, ages 20-28, bi/trilingual, whose parents immigrated from 6 Arab countries. I have conducted two 90 mn semi-structured interviews where participants elaborated on their identities, language practices, belongings and social experiences (Fathi, 2015). My data analysis has showed that almost all of my participants live in ‘spaces of otherwise’ (Povinelli, 2011), assuming multiple personal and linguistic identities and multiples belongings. In my presentation, I will give an overview of my research, data collection, and research results, where I will mainly report on their multiple identities and belongings, as well as their language practices and their attitudes towards the languages and accents they are surrounded by.
