Lithuanian daspora in Ireland: language attitudes, use and ethnic identity of second-generation Lithuanians

Abstract

The main goal of this article is to analyze the language attitudes, use and ethnic identity of second-generation Lithuanian children, as well as language practices within the Lithuanian families in Ireland. The participants of this study were 40 Lithuanian primary school-aged children [6;0–11;11] and teenagers [12;0–17;11] born and raised in Ireland; both of their parents were Lithuanians. The results are based on semi-structured interviews conducted in Ireland. Firstly, the interviews revealed different social status of English and Lithuanian languages. Both younger school-aged children and teenagers consider English to be easier and more convenient for communication. The majority of participants considered Lithuanian language as less known, but the most beautiful; the younger group also finds it the most useful language to learn as it is the main language of communication within the family; most teenagers claimed that English is more important to learn. The research has identified certain differences between age groups: teenagers tend to identify as Lithuanians, while younger respondents tend to have a hybrid Lithuanian-Irish ethnic identity. The article also briefly discusses the ways and importance of maintaining ties with Lithuania for young second-generation Lithuanians.