Identity formation in multilingual settings
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Date
2022
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Publisher
UMT.Lahore
Abstract
The purpose of the present study is to investigate how the migrated Hazara and Pashtun communities form their identities through language in the multilingual settings in Quetta. The study analysis the language barriers faced by the migrated Hazara and Pashtun that influence their identity construction. This research examines the role of multilingual society, familial and peer support on the process of identity development. Four semi-structured interviews (Two Hazaras, Two Pashtuns) that constitute the primary source of data for this research. One individual from each community was illiterate and businessmen. The individuals that I interviewed were aged between 21 to 35. This theoretical framework of this research is grounded on Spolslky’s (2004) language policy framework which can be formed through language policy, language Beliefs and language Practices. Key themes of this paper include language and identity, multilingual society, identity formation and multicultural society. Findings show that in multilingual settings/society, the language of the individual forms identity while explains that how they demonstrates their language throughout different periods of their life. Peers offer a variety of opportunities and may influence attitudes related to the identity process. Keywords: Identity formation, Languages, Pashtun and Migrated Pashtuns, Ethnicity, Multilingual society, cultural diversity.