Anna Mammitzsch. Photo: Maria Moreno Rivas.

The thesis aims to show how migrants’ narratives about lived experiences of migration and language shape their identity work. This thesis uncovers the challenges and privileges of an invisible minority in Sweden, as well as the role of language in negotiating belonging and identity. The title of the thesis in German is "Migration erleben und erzählen: Eine linguistische Ethnographie zur Identitätsarbeit deutschsprachiger Migrant:innen in Stockholm".

Why is this group of migrants interesting?

- When we think of migration to Sweden, we usually think of non-European migration or national minorities, because these groups are highly popularized (and often stigmatized) in politics and the media. However, German-speaking migration to Sweden has a constant and centuries-long history reaching back to the middle ages, making them one of the biggest educated migrant groups in the country today. However, they often fall through the cracks when it comes to research, political activism or public discussions about integration initiatives. Therefore, I explore in my thesis what it means to live as a German-speaking migrant in Sweden. 

Why did you become interested in this topic?

- My dissertation topic is a deeply personal one too, because I also came as an adult to Sweden from Germany, learned a new language and tried to settle. Talking to other migrants, I realized what common challenges we share, but also how subjective and different our experiences in Sweden are. This dynamic was very interesting to me and I decided to investigate it further in my research.

In what ways is your study relevant when discussing language and power?

- Because of the privilege but also the invisibility that the German-speaking minority in Sweden carries, language is often the only thing that gives their personal trajectory as “migrants” away. One chapter in my thesis for example shows, how the participants are confronted with stereotypes regarding speaking Swedish with a German accent. The participants reflect that their language competence is often measured by Queen Silvia’s way of speaking, because her perceived “accented speech” is often discussed in Swedish media. The participants experience being reduced to their nationality, landing somewhere in-between: speaking better Swedish than what is expected of them, but never close to the Swedish native ideal. 

Tell us about the gathering of the data sets.

- I employed a variety of methods to gather narratives about migration experiences from my participants. We did walking tours through Stockholm, where they showed me places that matter to them. They also drew language portraits, where they can visualize where in their body specific languages or varieties are felt and embodied. They also met in smaller groups to discuss different topics. And they gave me feedback about what it meant to be a participant of a study. I was very surprised how complex migrant life in Sweden is – from navigating cultural differences, exploring new opportunities, getting comfortable with the Swedish language to applying for citizenship, there is so much work associated with settling in a new country.

A Map of the Narrative Walking Tours.

Could you say something about the results of your study?

- My results show how migrants navigate belonging between Germany and Sweden and that their identity constructions are situational and fluctuating. Sometimes people embrace their migration background, other times they grow tired of being reduced to having a German background, because they have spent most of their life in Sweden by now. But their stories also exceed this national dynamic, and participants tell stories how they became a living part of the city Stockholm by going through national trauma together. 

What are the broader implications of the study?

- Migration and/or mobility make our lives incredibly complex, they are facilitators for rethinking who we are and where we belong. My research shows that identity and belonging are very flexible notions that are negotiated in interaction and change from moment to moment. But we also should not forget that migration, although significant, is just one part of people’s trajectories. Migrants are more than just migrants and their identities are multifaceted.

An Example of a Language Portrait.

Anna Mammitzsch is defending her thesis Friday 22 November 2024, 1 PM to 3 PM, in Auditorium 8, Södra huset. The defense will be in German and it will be streamed via Zoom.

Download the thesis from DiVA
More about the defense on the department's website
Anna Mammitzsch’ profile page