Multilingual information transitions in migrant families
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
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