Shaping identity through bilingualism and translanguaging

Bilingualism is a phenomenon that has captivated researchers across various disciplines for decades, even though it has not always been considered as a positive feature. In terms of linguistic aspects, bilingualism encompasses a range of language proficiency levels, language dominance, and language use patterns. Sociocultural factors play a crucial role in understanding bilingualism. Language choice and maintenance within communities and families are influenced by social, political, and economic contexts. Bilingualism can contribute to cultural and linguistic identity, community cohesion, and intercultural communication. However, it can also lead to language attrition or loss if not actively maintained or supported. During the last years, translanguaging has gained significant attention in the field of bilingualism and language education. Its pedagogy recognizes the value of students' linguistic repertoires and promotes a collaborative and inclusive classroom environment, encouraging language blending rather than enforcing strict language separation. It challenges traditional notions of monolingualism by emphasizing the fluidity and flexibility of language use among bilingual individuals. By recognizing and validating the diverse linguistic practices of bilingual speakers, translanguaging contributes to the empowerment and affirmation of bilingual individuals. The way in which bilingualism is reflected on linguistic identity plays a vital role in shaping our sense of self and our interactions within society, encompassing the connections between language and personal identity, reflecting the ways in which our language use, attitudes, and experiences shape our understanding of who we are and how we relate to others. As individuals, we develop a complex web of linguistic identities that are influenced by factors, such as our native language, socio-cultural backgrounds, and personal experiences, and that are not static, but rather dynamic. Our linguistic choices, accents, and dialects can reflect our affiliations with specific cultural groups, creating a sense of belonging or exclusion, empowerment or marginalization. The acquisition of additional languages, for example, can open up new avenues for self-expression and expand our identities, allowing us to engage with different communities. The dissertation ends with a case study in which ten respondents witness the effects of bilingualism on their everyday life and how it influences their linguistic and cultural identity.