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Multilingual information transitions in migrant families

Lilach Alon, Maja Krtalić

Journal of Documentation

ISSN: 0022-0418

Article publication date: 1 January 2025

30

Abstract

Purpose

This study explores multilingual information transitions experienced by migrant families, examining the factors that shape these transitions from the lens of information behavior. The research focuses on understanding how migrant families navigate and adapt to new information landscapes while integrating multiple languages into their daily lives.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used a qualitative phenomenological approach, conducting 16 in-depth interviews with migrants from diverse linguistic backgrounds to explore their experiences managing multilingual information. The analysis employed content analysis according to Moustakas (1994).

Findings

Findings reveal that migration prompts multilingual information transitions in daily routines, inter-familial interactions and extended family and community engagements. These transitions are shaped by factors such as the need to preserve the family heritage, maintain native language use as well as build and sustain relationships across linguistic boundaries. Migrant families adjust their information practices to navigate multilingual challenges, influencing their communication, documentation and connections with family and community.

Originality/value

The study presents a theoretical model that illustrates the interactions between information transitions and the factors influencing them, providing new insights into how multilingualism shapes family information behavior in the context of migration.

Keywords

Citation

Alon, L. and Krtalić, M. (2025), "Multilingual information transitions in migrant families", Journal of Documentation, Vol. ahead-of-print No. ahead-of-print. https://doi.org/10.1108/JD-09-2024-0208

Publisher

:

Emerald Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2024, Emerald Publishing Limited

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