Codeswitching and artistic performance among multilingual minorities in Flanders

Abstract

AbstractViewed from an interactional sociolinguistic perspective, this research addresses multilingual codeswitching practices of youngsters with North African roots from the super-diverse Flemish city of Ghent. Particular attention is paid here to their artistic – mainly interethnic – performances, as these play a vital role in constructing ethnic and social belonging by voicing “glocal” identities. In so doing, the study provides evidence of the importance of multilingualism and codeswitching in the accommodation, socialization, and emancipation of these youngsters.