Abstract:
In an increasingly interconnected world, language and identity play pivotal
roles in shaping the experiences of individuals navigating diverse cultural and
educational landscapes. This speech examines how the linguistic practices
and identities of ethnic minority groups, as well as other marginalised
communities, such as migrants and transnational individuals studying or
working in new settings, are shaped. These groups navigate challenges such
as language tensions between heritage and local languages, cultural identities
at risk of being diminished, and institutional constraints that may limit their
professional roles. However, they also capitalise on their multilingualism
as embodied cultural capital and legitimise their identities in diverse ways.
By connecting macro-level ideologies to micro-level identity practices, the
research provides a scaffold for reimagining inclusivity in education and
policy through a linguistically just lens. By highlighting these experiences,
my work informs policy discussions on linguistic inclusivity, advocating for
greater institutional support and critical reflection among communities.
