When cultural antagonism does not align with language bias: The sociolinguistic, cultural, and emotional experiences of German immigrants in post-crisis Greece

Abstract

Based on a sample of 65 German immigrants living in Greece, an understudied minority in this context, this paper explores the connection between participants' attitudes towards the heritage and host dimensions and emotions when using the heritage language (L1). Statistical analysis of survey data revealed that sociolinguistic practices reflected cultural affiliations without cross-interferences. Socialization in the L1 predicted immigrants' identification with the heritage culture and socialization in the local language predicted immigrants' identification with the host culture. Experiencing a sense of pride and empowerment when using the L1 enhanced participants' belonging to the heritage culture. Pride when using the L1 also enhanced their belonging to the host culture. Following the economic crisis in 2009 there was a rise of an anti-German sentiment in Greece. However, qualitative insights from open-ended questions highlighted participants' lack of negative experiences in the country. This could be explained by the high standing of the German language in Greece. Many reported no change in their positive self-perceptions when using German. Facing minor discrimination did not affect these feelings. These results are relevant in sociopolitical discourse promoting monolingual ideologies that portray minority language use as a hindrance to integration, clarifying the connection between immigrants’ self-perceptions and well-being.

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