A Prism of Identities in Motion: Language Attitudes and Self-Reflection in Immigrant Women Through the Lithuanian Language

Whilst the social integration and sociolinguistic state of Lithuania’s largest national and ethnic minorities have received considerable academic attention in recent decades, studies on first-generation adult immigrants from all over the world have primarily discussed their challenges, motivations, and attitudes towards the Lithuanian language or learning it. However, a holistic investigation into first-generation adult immigrants’ self-reflection on their migration story, identity development, and interpersonal relationships through the Lithuanian language is currently overlooked. The article aims to explore language attitudes and identity as intertwined elements in first-generation adult immigrants’ understanding of themselves and Lithuanian society. Ten first-generation adult immigrant women were recruited for a pilot study and completed a questionnaire consisting of four sections: personal biography, language repertoire, Lithuanian language learning, and identity in transformation. Then, they participated in semi-structured interviews to share memories and future projections. Language attitudes are discussed in the article following the theoretical framework of three dimensions: cognitive, affective, and behavioral attitudes. The data show that the Lithuanian language is necessary to feel integrated and show respect to the country, however, the process of reevaluation of identity requires not only the learner’s efforts but also the encouragement of a supportive network of peers and relatives. Overall attitudes are positive, and learning Lithuanian, together with codifying cultural constructs, helps achieve the women’s feeling of personal independence to function in society as active citizens, not as temporary guests. Experiences with the COVID-19 outbreak, the importance of using digital learning tools, and the role of the acquired family are some of the factors influencing the development of new identities that emerged as a result of the research.