Tracing Language Use in (Bilingual) In-Depth Interviews: Collective Knowledge Production on Migration, Remembering Language(s), and Emotions
The landscape of migration research is continually evolving, demanding innovative methodologies to capture the nuanced experiences of individuals within postmigrant societies. A recent study, detailed in a paper published with the DOI 10.17169/fqs-27.3.4817, offers a compelling example of such methodological introspection. The research, conducted by Pinar Gümüs Mantu from the Justus Liebig University Giessen, delves into the complex interplay of language, identity, and belonging through in-depth interviews with young women whose families have migrated from Turkey to Germany. This work contributes significantly to the fields of bilingual research, migration studies, and the sociology of language, particularly within the context of postmigrant Germany.
Unpacking the Research: A Focus on Language and Lived Experience
At the core of Mantu’s research is a reflective examination of her qualitative field study. The primary aim was to gather data on the participants’ perceptions of "otherness" and "belonging" in a postmigrant setting, with a specific emphasis on the intersection of gender and prevailing migration-integration discourses. These interviews were conducted bilingually, in both German and Turkish, and were conceptualized not merely as data collection exercises, but as a collaborative process of knowledge production between the researcher and the interviewees.
The paper highlights the researcher’s deliberate choice to adopt a reflective stance, which necessitated a deep dive into the linguistic dynamics at play during the research process. This introspective approach allowed for a closer scrutiny of language use within the research setting, recognizing its profound impact on the interview dynamic and the data generated.
The Dual Role of Language in the Interview Setting
A key finding from Mantu’s research is the multifaceted influence of shared and divergent linguistic backgrounds between the interviewer and the interviewees. The study notes how commonalities and differences in language and migration history could shape the interview’s atmosphere. In some instances, this shared ground fostered a sense of rapport, potentially reversing traditional power dynamics where the researcher might hold a more dominant position. Conversely, linguistic differences or misunderstandings could also create barriers or introduce complexities into the interaction.
The research posits that the interview space became a critical arena for discussing language-related memories tied to family migration histories. These discussions were often intertwined with deeply personal experiences of exclusion and feelings of shame. The paper underscores how participants revisited their understanding of othering and belonging, with language emerging as a central theme in these evolving perspectives. This suggests that language is not merely a tool for communication but a repository of personal and collective histories, deeply connected to social positioning and self-perception.
The Postmigrant Context: Beyond Integration
The research is situated within the broader theoretical framework of "postmigrant studies," a field that seeks to move beyond traditional integration paradigms. As highlighted by scholars like Naika Foroutan (2019), the postmigrant perspective acknowledges that migration is not a temporary phenomenon but a fundamental characteristic of contemporary societies. This perspective emphasizes the ongoing processes of negotiation, adaptation, and transformation that occur in societies shaped by migration, recognizing that "native" and "migrant" categories are increasingly fluid and interconnected.
The study by Mantu aligns with this theoretical shift by focusing on the lived experiences of individuals who are navigating life in a society where migration is a historical and ongoing reality. The emphasis on "otherness" and "belonging" directly addresses the core concerns of postmigrant research, which often examines how individuals and groups construct their identities and social positions within these complex societal structures.
Keywords Informing the Research
The keywords associated with this research—bilingual research, in-depth interviews, migration research, negative emotions, language in a postmigrant setting, and lived experience of language—clearly delineate the study’s disciplinary focus and methodological approach. These terms signal an interest in the intricate ways language functions not only as a communicative medium but also as a site of social, emotional, and identity-related significance for individuals with migration backgrounds.
Methodological Reflections: Bilingualism and Power Dynamics
The decision to conduct interviews in both German and Turkish was a deliberate methodological choice, reflecting an awareness of the potential limitations of monolingual research in multilingual contexts. Scholars like Karin Schittenhelm (2017) and Susanne Siebholz and Luisa Burgmer (2026) have explored the methodological challenges and opportunities presented by multilingual research interviews. Mantu’s work adds to this growing body of literature by providing a detailed reflection on how bilingualism influenced the interview process and the data generated.
The concept of "Spracherleben" or the "lived experience of language," as explored by Brigitta Busch (2015), is central to understanding Mantu’s approach. By engaging with participants in their preferred languages and by reflecting on the linguistic choices made during the interviews, the research aims to capture a more authentic and nuanced understanding of their experiences. This contrasts with approaches that might impose a dominant language, potentially silencing or marginalizing certain aspects of participants’ lived realities.
The study also touches upon the delicate balance of power in research interviews. As highlighted by John M. Johnson and Timothy Rowlands (2012), interview dynamics are inherently shaped by the interpersonal relationship between the interviewer and interviewee. In multilingual contexts, language can either bridge or widen these relational gaps. Mantu’s reflection on how power dynamics shifted, sometimes in favor of building rapport and at other times potentially introducing tension, provides valuable insights for researchers working in similar settings. The work of Olena Fedyuk and Violetta Zentai (2018) on the interview as a space for dialogue and knowledge co-production further contextualizes Mantu’s reflective approach, emphasizing the collaborative potential of qualitative research.
The Emotional Landscape of Language and Migration
The research brings to the fore the significant role of negative emotions, such as exclusion and shame, in the context of language and migration. This resonates with broader discussions in migration studies about the psychological and social impacts of displacement and the process of navigating new linguistic and cultural environments. The interviews revealed how participants’ family migration histories, often discussed through the lens of language, were laden with memories of exclusion. This suggests that language proficiency or perceived linguistic inadequacy can become a powerful marker of social inclusion or exclusion, impacting individuals’ sense of self-worth and belonging.
The participants’ revisiting of their views on "othering" and "belonging" in relation to language indicates a dynamic process of identity formation. As individuals reflect on their linguistic journey, their understanding of who they are and where they fit within society is continually shaped and reshaped. This process can be particularly complex for second-generation migrants who may navigate multiple linguistic and cultural codes.
Broader Implications for Migration Research and Policy
Mantu’s research has significant implications for how qualitative research is conducted and understood within migration studies. The emphasis on reflexivity and the critical examination of language use offers a model for researchers seeking to conduct more ethical and impactful studies in diverse and multilingual contexts.
Advancing Methodological Rigor
The study underscores the need for researchers to be acutely aware of the linguistic dimensions of their work. This includes not only the choice of interview language but also the analysis of linguistic practices, such as code-switching and code-mixing, which are common in multilingual communities. Ibrahim Cindark’s (2013) work on German-Turkish code-switching provides a precursor to understanding these linguistic phenomena within the German-Turkish context.
By conceptualizing interviews as a "collective process of knowledge production," Mantu challenges a purely objective, researcher-centric model. This aligns with approaches that advocate for greater epistemic equality between researchers and participants, aiming to empower marginalized voices and generate knowledge that is more representative of lived experiences.
Informing Policy and Societal Understanding
The findings also carry broader implications for policymakers and society at large. Understanding the emotional weight attached to language for individuals with migration backgrounds can inform more sensitive and effective integration policies. Policies that recognize and value linguistic diversity, rather than solely focusing on assimilation into a dominant language, are likely to foster greater inclusion and reduce feelings of shame and exclusion.
The research contributes to the growing discourse on "de-migrantizing" research, as advocated by Janine Dahinden (2016). This involves moving away from research frameworks that essentialize migration and instead focusing on the complex social processes and power relations that shape contemporary societies. By examining the lived experiences of young women of Turkish background in Germany, Mantu’s work helps to illuminate the realities of a postmigrant society, where the lines between "migrant" and "native" are increasingly blurred.
Future Directions and Data Availability
While the full data from this research is not yet available for download, the detailed abstract and references provide a rich foundation for understanding its contributions. The extensive list of references points to a deep engagement with existing scholarship in qualitative research, migration studies, linguistics, and cultural analysis. Scholars in these fields will find this work a valuable addition to the literature, offering both methodological insights and empirical data on the complex experiences of young women in a postmigrant context.
The study’s focus on negative emotions, particularly shame and exclusion, related to language use is a crucial area for further exploration. Future research could delve deeper into the long-term impacts of these experiences on individuals’ educational, professional, and social trajectories. Additionally, comparative studies across different migrant groups and national contexts could further illuminate the universal and context-specific dimensions of language, identity, and belonging in the 21st century. The ongoing dialogue surrounding the "doing migration" approach, as championed by Anna Amelina (2021), suggests a future where research is increasingly grounded in the lived realities and agency of those who navigate migration. Mantu’s reflective and bilingual approach is a significant step in that direction.
