Language, Integration, and Migration: An interpretive analysis of an experts’ panel discussion

The findings presented in this paper are based on a qualitative, interpretive analysis of an experts’ panel discussion that took place at the conference “Language and Integration: Concepts, Politics, and Jurisdiction” in September 2010 in Duisburg, Germany. As can be shown, in the public debate on integration a largely monolithic language-centered attitude appears to remain prevalent. Moreover, this analysis of the panel discussion unveils several discourse strategies, arguments, and factors that influence the process of social integration of immigrants. Nevertheless, in the German integration debate a considerable gap between illusion and authenticity can be identified.
Publications:
Arnold, M. & Frazzetto, A. (2011). Zwischen Schein und Sein in der Integrationsdebatte: Eine kritische Reflexion zur deutschen Debatte über Integration, Sprache und Migration [Between Illusion and Authenticity in the Integration Debate: A Critical Reflection of the German Debate on Integration, Language, and Migration]. In E. Dick, A. Frazzetto & A. Kirsch (Eds.), Sprache und Integration: Ein interdisziplinärer Beitrag zum aktuellen Integrationsdiskurs (pp. 81-107). Baden-Baden: Nomos.