Language Maintenance and Shift among Teenager Migrants: A Case Study of Arabic and Persian Communities in Australia

This study explores the dynamics of language maintenance and shift among teenage members of Arabic and Persian migrant communities in Australia. Using interviews with five participants, the research examines their language proficiency, usage across different domains, and attitudes towards their first and second languages. The findings highlight the influence of push and pull factors such as social interaction, institutional support, and personal attitudes on language practices. While English is predominantly used in social and institutional settings, the participants demonstrate varying degrees of proficiency and engagement with their native languages at home. Results show that factors such as early exposure to English, community interaction, and individual attitudes significantly affect language retention and shift. Despite challenges like linguistic adaptation and accent-based stigmatization, some participants express pride in their heritage languages, signaling their role in cultural identity. This study underscores the complexity of multilingualism in migrant contexts and its implications for linguistic and cultural preservation.