Constraints, suffering, and surfacing repertoires among Gambian migrants in Italy

Bibliographic Data

ID2868940
AuthorsMarco Santello (0000-0003-1436-5919, University of Turin, corresponding author)
Year2025
Volume54
Issue4
Pages683-705
Publication date2025-09-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueLanguage in Society (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0047-4045 • E-ISSN: 1469-8013
PublisherCambridge University Press (CUP) (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1017/s0047404524000423
OpenAlexW4402490918
LanguageEN
Citations received11

This article explores one underestimated aspect of language in migration settings, namely the experience of not being in full control of circumstances and doing. Recent research has indeed highlighted aspects such as transcendence of boundaries, hinting at a version of multilingualism among migrants that does not feature enough of their experience of constraints. In contrast, other scholars have emphasised structural inequalities often focusing on macro-social pressures that migrants have to navigate. Approaching lived experiences as they emerge while researcher and informant build rapport-in-talk, the study concentrates on a young Gambian in Italy. He speaks of a lack of institutional support and being in a position where certain languages cannot be used, despite concrete help from a local NGO and personal efforts. The data also show suffering beyond language-related constraints and the progressive mutual surfacing of linguistic repertoires in interaction, evidencing more broadly the merits of this type of qualitative study. (Migration, constraints, Gambia, Italy

Epistemology · Inequality · Multilingualism · Position (finance) · Qualitative research · Social science · Sociology · Transcendence (philosophy) · Gender Studies · Linguistic Studies and Language Acquisition · Multilingual Education and Policy · Second Language Learning and Teaching

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