Language, Work, and Learning: Exploring the Urban Experience of Ethnic Migrant Workers in China

Abstract

This study, involving a questionnaire and personal interviews with participants from more than 10 ethnic minority groups, explores the work and learning experiences of ethnic migrant workers in China's Beijing and Shenzhen. The study reveals that China's ethnic migrant workers face multifaceted barriers in their adaptation to urban life. They worked for long hours with low pay. They experienced homesickness and isolation as a result of migration and being away from families and friends. In addition, they encountered language and cultural difficulties. To secure better jobs, ethnic minority workers are pressured to learn Putonghua and English. As a result, many of them have experienced loss of their first language, ethnic culture, and identity. The findings of the study raise important questions about the impact of globalization on our society and the weakening role of the state in a market economy. China is everywhere these days. Powered by the world's most rapidly changing large economy, it is influencing our lives as consumers, employees, and citizens. The words Made in China are as universal as money: the nation sews more clothes and stitches more shoes and assembles more toys for the world's children than any other… . China has also become the world's largest maker of consumer electronics, pumping out more TVs, DVD players, and cell phones than any other country. And more recently, China is ascending even higher still, moving quickly and expertly into biotech and computer manufacturing. (Fishman, 2005, p. 1)