Immigration is a common phenomenon in contemporary society and results in challenges withmaintaining cultural identity while integrating with a new culture. This is particularlyimportant in the family unit, where first-generation immigrant communities may havedifferent levels of experience and cultural values compared to their offspring (Secondgeneration immigrants). Integration in second-generation immigrants is often related tobilingualism and the concept of a dual social identity, embracing elements of host and nativeculture. The aim of this study was to explore the perspective of parents on the role ofbilingualism on integration and identity in their children. A sample of five families, originallyfrom Afghanistan and now living in Sweden, was purposively selected to complete semistructured interviews exploring bilingualism, social identity and integration. The findings ofthese interviews revealed three key themes relating to the adoption of Swedish identity bychildren, the loss of Afghani identity, and the role of the school and society in facilitatingthese identities.Overall, the interview data suggested that children living in Sweden identified as Swedish andengaged in cultural and social activities consistent with integration. Bilingualism was animportant aspect of holding a largely Swedish identity, although parents valued dual identityof children. Often, immersion in Swedish culture and limited opportunities to socialise as anAfghani cultural unit were viewed as threats to maintaining or developing a clear Afghaniidentity. The role of schools, parents and society in general is considered important in theseprocesses, particularly with regards to supporting cultural and religious values of the familyunit, while promoting successful integration. Bilingualism was universally viewed as apositive tool that could facilitate integration and dual identity, where suitable opportunitiesarose. / <p>Grade A</p>
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:UPSALLA1/oai:DiVA.org:liu-172691 |
| Date | January 2018 |
| Creators | Hewad, Maroof |
| Publisher | Linköpings universitet, Tema Barn |
| Source Sets | DiVA Archive at Upsalla University |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Student thesis, info:eu-repo/semantics/bachelorThesis, text |
| Format | application/pdf |
| Rights | info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess |
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