How Do Second-Generation South Asian Immigrants Navigate Their Cultural Identities Through the Use of Language
Author: Jowanah Majeed︱Editor: Melissa Pradhan
How Do Second-Generation South Asian Immigrants Navigate Their Cultural Identities Through the Use of Language, Particularly within Code-Switching Between English and Heritage Languages like Urdu, Punjabi, and Other South Asian Languages.
Introduction
Language is a fundamental component of cultural identity, particularly for diasporic communities, where it serves as both a connection to their heritage and a means of integration into new societies. For second-generation South Asian immigrants in the UK, this dual purpose of language becomes a central feature of their identity. This article examines how linguistic practices, particularly code-switching, allow individuals to bridge cultural barriers, maintain familial and societal relationships, and adjust to the pressures of globalisation. Recent sociolinguistic research has deepened our understanding of these dynamics, providing valuable insights into the evolving nature of language, identity, and belonging in multicultural societies.
Code-switching: Balancing Heritage and Integration
Code-switching involves shifting between languages, such as English and South Asian. It represents identity flexibility beyond linguistics. Moreover, among second-generation South Asians, this practice serves to navigate cultural expectations. Jaspal and Coyle found that British-born South Asians often code-switch to maintain their ethnic heritage in familial settings, while also embracing English in professional or social contexts to signal integration into a mainstream British society [4].
The flexibility of code-switching also empowers individuals to navigate cultural hybridity. Heller describes bilingualism as a ‘social approach,’ allowing individuals to manage multiple, often conflicting, identities [3]. Recent studies highlight how such linguistic adaptations are increasingly creative, with second-generation immigrants employing hybrid forms of expression to assert both their cultural heritage and their status as global citizens [10].
Shifting Identities and Integrating Language Dynamics
A key aspect of language use in South Asian diasporic communities involves the interplay between generations. For first-generation immigrants, heritage languages are viewed as essential to maintain cultural traditions and values. Conversely, second-generation individuals often prioritise English, reflecting the societal pressures of integration. This linguistic tension can become a site of both conflict and connection within families.
Creese and Blackledge examined this dynamic in Birmingham, where younger participants were reported to adopt a mix of English and Punjabi in conversations with their parents [2]. This strategy reflects a desire to respect familial expectations while asserting their individual identity. Additionally, new research (i.e. Shah & Walker) has shown that intergenerational code-switching fosters empathy and mutual understanding, with parents acknowledging their children’s need to integrate into British society [11].
Such dynamics illustrate how language becomes a medium for negotiating generational transitions, preserving cultural values, and redefining ethnic boundaries. It also highlights the adaptability of heritage languages in diasporic contexts, as younger generations create innovative linguistic forms to express their identities.
The Case of Urban Accents: Linguistic Hybridity and Globalisation
Globalisation has transformed the linguistic practices of diasporic communities, particularly in urban centres like London. The emergence of a multicultural accent— marked by the blending of English with phonetic and lexical features of South Asian languages—illustrates how language evolves in response to cultural and social change. Kerswill identified these accents as a form of linguistic innovation, shaped by migration and intercultural interaction [5].
For instance, South Asian youth in London often use slang and idiomatic expressions derived from both British and South Asian cultures, creating a distinctive linguistic identity. A recent study by Khan and Ahmed found that such linguistic hybridity helps second-generation individuals navigate multicultural spaces, fostering a sense of belonging in both their ethnic community and broader British society [6]. This blending also challenges rigid notions of linguistic ‘purity’, reflecting the reality of globalised, interconnected cultures.
Pennycook underscores that the spread of global English dialects allows diasporic communities to maintain cultural specificity while participating in global linguistic trends [9]. This phenomenon highlights how second-generation South Asians use language as a tool to assert their identity in an increasingly interconnected world.
Ethnicity and National Identity Through Language
Language not only reflects personal identity but also shapes broader societal attitudes towards ethnicity and nationality. For second-generation South Asians, linguistic practices such as code-switching and the use of multicultural accents contribute to a redefinition of their British identity. Rampton describes this as ‘crossing’ [10], a linguistic strategy that transcends ethnic boundaries and promotes a shared sense of multiculturalism.
Recent studies (e.g., Patel and Singh), have demonstrated how second- generation South Asians actively use language to challenge stereotypes and redefine British identity [8]. By blending heritage languages with English, they craft identities that are inclusive, hybridised, and reflective of their lived realities. For example, the use of Bengali phrases in public spaces, like festivals or markets, signifies a growing acceptance of multiculturalism within the UK. This linguistic visibility affirms the cultural contributions of South Asian communities and fosters greater societal recognition of diversity.
Theoretical and Practical Implications
The sociolinguistic practices of second-generation South Asians offer a valuable lens for understanding the complexities of cultural identity in multicultural societies.
While current research offers valuable insights into the linguistic practices of second-generation South Asians, several areas require further exploration. Comparative studies could examine linguistic practices in smaller, less diverse cities to understand how second-generation immigrants navigate cultural identity without large diasporic communities. Additionally, research on intersectionality could explore how factors like gender, religion, and socioeconomic status influence language use, as well as the role of social media in shaping multilingual communication. Longitudinal studies could assess whether third-generation South Asians maintain the same engagement with heritage languages, shedding light on the effects of globalisation and assimilation. Furthermore, research into educational policies could evaluate the effectiveness of heritage language programs in UK schools and their impact on students’ identities. Addressing these areas would enhance our understanding of the relationship between language, identity, and culture in diasporic contexts.
Conclusion
Language is a powerful medium for navigating the complexities of identity among second-generation South Asian immigrants in the UK. Through practices like code- switching and linguistic hybridity, individuals negotiate the dual demands of heritage preservation and societal integration. This reflects broader trends of globalisation, multiculturalism, and identity evolution, offering valuable insights for sociolinguistics. As the UK continues to embrace its multicultural identity, the linguistic contributions of South Asian communities serve as a testament to the enduring interplay between language, culture, and belonging.
References
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