Recent wave of Lithuanian emigrants: language use and maintenance

ENThis paper analyses the language use and maintenance of Lithuanian emigrants of the recent emigration wave. The research is based on indepth semi-structured interviews with 41 first generation emigrants living in London and Oslo; in the capitals of main Lithuanians’ emigration countries during the 21st century. Most research participants are of working age and have higher education. The aim is to explore how strongly linguistic behavior and Lithuanian language transmission to children depends on a person’s reasons for emigration and language attitudes. Linguistic behavior may be very different – from a complete shift to the majority language of the country of residence, to creation of a Lithuanian environment and communication in the language of the country of residence, or in an international language at work only. This paper demonstrates that the main difference studying linguistics behavior in these two multicultural cities lies in difference between English as an international language, and Norwegian as a local language. The results suggest that emigrants with no children have more expectations of successful transmission of Lithuanian to their children. Research participants with children are more realistic about real transmission issues and difficulties. Other important factors that positively or negatively affect the language maintenance are discussed as well including the attitudes toward the dominant language of the country, the role of Lithuanian community, family language policy, parents’ responsibility to transmit their native language to children and the importance of informants’ future plans. [From the publication]