My Bilingualism is Better than Yours: A qualitative study into the differences in perception and experiences of different kinds of bilingualism.

Abstract

Extensive research has proven the advantageous effects of a bilingual upbringing. However, in advocating these advantages, no difference is remarked in the recognition of advantages for different language groups. This sociolinguistic study therefore aims to compare the perception and experience of different kinds of bilingualism based on the languages involved. The main objective is to establish to what extent perceptions and experiences of bilingualism differ when it involves (European) majority languages as opposed to minority languages. Semi-structured interviews were held with individuals from the Germanic/Romance (GR) language group, and the Indo-Iranian/Afro-Asiatic (IA) group (N=6), who have all been raised bilingually in the Netherlands. Additionally, questionnaires were sent to the respondents’ parents. Main results are that participants and parents in the IAgroup have received more negative reactions, and experienced more shame than participants in the GRgroup. Furthermore, the IAgroup views their bilingualism as inferior to the GRgroup’s bilingualism. From these results, we can state that respondents in the IAgroup have experienced discrimination on the basis of their language, and that the benefits of bilingualism are not entirely recognized in their case. In conclusion, the recognition of the benefits of a bilingual upbringing is positively influenced by the economic value of a European majority language of the GRgroup, and negatively influenced by the status of the speakers belonging to the IAgroup in Dutch society. Although advantages of bilingualism have been researched and proven, in these results no attention was paid to differing advantages for different language groups. What this study brings to light, is that more knowledge should be spread about the general advantages of bilingualism, instead of the economic benefits adhering to a certain language. In doing so, bilingual individuals will be treated more equally on the basis of their bilingualism in general, instead of the languages they speak.