Language use of bilingual young people: Case of Germany and France

Abstract

Starting from the second half of the 20th century, Turkish people who had to migrate to European countries due to the need for labor force in Europe, gradually settled in these countries through family reunification. Today, fourth-generation Turkish people are born and raised, educated, and integrated into the working life in these lands. The generations that grow up in a bilingual and double culture environment are exposed to both languages and cultures in their daily lives. In this study, the language use and native language skills of 9 university students from the third and fourth generations who were born and raised in France and Germany are examined in their family and social lives. In this context, the research questions of the study are: “What are the factors that determine the language use of third and fourth-generation Turkish people living in Germany and France?” and “How do competences in language skills affect the language use of bilingual young people?”. In this qualitative study, the phenomenological pattern has been used. Interview technique was used as a data collection tool and semi-structured interview questions were asked to participants, including language use and native language skills. As a result of the study, it was found that young people of the third generation living in France and the fourth generation living in Germany use the dominant language, French and German, mostly, in their social environment and education life. In the family, both languages are used effectively, however, the preferred language with parents is mostly Turkish or a mixture of both languages. Young people tend to speak the target language or code-switch with their siblings and Turkish friends. Regarding native language skills, they are more effective in oral communication and comprehension.