The Role of Language in International Migrants’ Work Life Experiences

Gaibrois, Claudine; Wilmot, Natalie; Barner-Rasmussen, Wilhelm (2023). The Role of Language in International Migrants’ Work Life Experiences Academy of Management Proceedings, 2023(1) Academy of Management 10.5465/AMPROC.2023.18712abstract

Full text not available from this repository. (Request a copy)

This paper analyses international migrants’ experiences of work life in their new locations specifically from the perspective of how these experiences are (co-)shaped by language. Based on an exploratory qualitative study conducted in the German-speaking part of Switzerland, we identify commonalities and differences between different types of migrants’, ranging from highly qualified self-initiated expatriates to recognized refugees. The findings show that: 1) Limitations on the job market and the need to find a niche as well as the role of the national context, e.g., in the form of prevalent language ideologies, affect all migrants, 2) a hierarchy of languages creates status differences between migrants, which sometimes intersect with nationality- or culture-related preconceptions. We then discuss the implications for conceptualizations of language proficiency and for language expectations towards migrants. Keywords: Migration, migrant, language-sensitive IB, fluency, intersection, employment, work life.

Item Type:	Journal Article (Original Article)
Division/Institute:	Business School > Institute for Marketing & Global Management Business School > Institute for Marketing & Global Management > Global Management Business School
Name:	Gaibrois, Claudine0000-0003-4100-4342; Wilmot, Natalie and Barner-Rasmussen, Wilhelm
Subjects:	H Social Sciences > H Social Sciences (General)
ISSN:	0065-0668
Publisher:	Academy of Management
Language:	English
Submitter:	Claudine Gaibrois
Date Deposited:	06 Dec 2023 09:45
Last Modified:	06 Dec 2023 09:45
Publisher DOI:	10.5465/AMPROC.2023.18712abstract
Uncontrolled Keywords:	AOM Annual Meeting Proceedings 2023 AOM Boston 2023 Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
URI:	https://arbor.bfh.ch/id/eprint/20547