| Salient social markers such as language, physical appearance (phenotype) and surname have been shown to be important signifiers of membership in an ethnic group. Identities for immigrants are constructed, negotiated and imposed via these and other social markers. This paper links studies in language maintenance and shift with studies in ethnic identity development and ethnolinguistic vitality to explore the role of language in self-ascribed identity. The research consists of case studies of three immigrant Canadian families residing in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) through which the reflexive nature of language practices and identity construction/negotiation are explored. Personal narratives (semi-structured interviews), archival research and participant observation are used to uncover cultural, social/demographic and linguistic themes which impact upon identity and language practices/choices. Themes include socio-economic class, in/out-marriage, return trips to the ancestral homeland, relationships with grandparents, experiences of discrimination, and neighbourhood social landscapes. Self-ascribed national and cultural identities are compared across three generations within each family. Since research underscores the pivotal role of the second generation in ancestral language transmission, the language choices made by the second generation representative of each of the three families are investigated to determine the degree of influence from the first generation and the impact of those choices upon the third generation. The impact of Canadian immigration policy and trends, official multiculturalism, ESL programs, International/Heritage Language programs and the role of school experiences are explored through the presentation and analysis of each family's stories. |
