37.1262, Books: Identity Formation, Language and Migration Dynamics: Gholami and Mehlem (eds.) (2026)

[The LINGUIST List]

LINGUIST List: Vol-37-1262. Mon Mar 30 2026. ISSN: 1069 - 4875.

Subject: 37.1262, Books: Identity Formation, Language and Migration Dynamics: Gholami and Mehlem (eds.) (2026)

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Date: 25-Mar-2026
From: Sebastian Nordhoff [support at langsci-press.org]
Subject: Identity Formation, Language and Migration Dynamics: Gholami and Mehlem (eds.) (2026)


Title: Identity Formation, Language and Migration Dynamics
Subtitle: Minorities in the MENA region and the German diaspora
Series Title: Contact and Multilingualism
Publication Year: 2026

Publisher: Language Science Press
           http://langsci-press.org
Book URL: https://langsci-press.org/catalog/book/514

Editor(s): Saloumeh Gholami, Ulrich Mehlem

eBook

Abstract:

The volume examines migration from the Middle East and North Africa
(MENA) region to the German diaspora, offering a multifaceted
perspective that combines historical and contemporary insights. It
moves beyond viewing migration as a momentary event, instead situating
it within a broader narrative that considers the impact of origin
countries. By studying communities such as Georgians, Jews, Aramaic
speakers, Kurds, Afghans and Berbers, the book explores how
linguistic, social, and cultural factors shape their experiences both
in their homelands and as migrants in Germany.
A key focus is the interplay between spoken vernaculars (such as
Judeo-Spanish, Kurmanji Kurdish, Pashto and Tarifit Berber) and
prestigious written languages (such as Hebrew, Syriac, Arabic, and
Persian). It delves into how language choices, including scripts and
writing systems, reflect deeper identity struggles within communities
and across borders. In offering or restricting legal, pedagogical and
communicative conditions for language acquisition, intercultural
exchange and identity formation, Germany, like other European host
societies, contributes significantly to these developments.
The book also shifts the lens of migration studies to explore not just
the challenges in host countries but also the conditions in the
migrants’ places of origin, from linguistic diversity to social
stratification and historical conflicts. It offers unique insights
into how these factors shape the identities of minority groups and
influence their lives as migrants.
This book is a resource for anyone interested in the complex
intersections of migration, identity, language, and culture. It sheds
light on the experiences of often marginalised communities, offering
valuable perspectives for scholars, policymakers, and anyone seeking a
deeper understanding of the realities of migration and minority life.

Linguistic Field(s): Applied Linguistics
                     Sociolinguistics

Language Family(ies): African Unclassified

Written In: English (eng)



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