Migration in contested linguistic spaces: The challenge for language policies in Switzerland and Wales

Abstract

This paper explores the role of language as constructed by policies for the acculturation of migrants in the competing discourses of national belonging and multiculturalism as the right to difference. Where national policies have adopted multicultural approaches to foster societal cohesion, immigration represents a potentially valuable addition to diversity. However, language policy directed towards migrant communities appears to undervalue diversity in language competencies. The material is drawn from the highly charged linguistic environments of Wales and the canton of Grisons in Switzerland. In these regions work opportunities, exist for migrants in rural areas where regional language minorities pursue vigorous revitalisation policies. This highlights conflicting discourses between language for integration purposes (official discourse), language learning for identity, and integration in the regional/cantonal discourse (migrant discourses). National policies engineer economic and social integration thro...