Presentation Information
[P-29-06]The Cultural and Emotional Baggage of Language Brokering, Rumination and Wellbeing: A Retrospective Study
*Renu Narchal (Western Sydney University(Australia))
Keywords:
Language brokering,Migration,Culturally and Linguistically Diverse,Wellbeing,Australia
Background: Due to the variation of the macrosystem, children and young people from Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CaLD) backgrounds often carry the cultural and emotional load by serving as informal interpreters and translators for their parents to become their language brokers. Language brokering is commonly observed in children and young people post-migration as they assist parents in navigating the new cultural context. This emotional and functional reliance may weigh down brokers with adult-like responsibility suggesting ‘parentification’. Research subsequently has focused on the mental health, risk factors, emotional load and wellbeing of language brokers.
Objectives: The study aimed to examine the relationship between perceptions of language brokering, rumination and psychological wellbeing.
Method: Adopting a mixed method approach the current study explored the experiences of 130 language brokers (113 females, 15 males, 1 gendered fluid and 1 preferred not to say) from varied ethnic backgrounds within the Australian context. They completed an online survey that also included five open-ended questions.
Results: The qualitative component of the study is presented in this paper. A thematic analysis of extent of brokering and the open-ended responses resulted in four main themes: The positives of being in the deep end, accuracy anxiety, emotional carry-on baggage, and procedural brokering.
Discussion: Language brokers’ perception can be influenced by their sense of obligation or pride, resulting in negative or positive feelings respectively. This study suggested that perceptions of language brokering as a ‘caring practice’ is a normative in immigrant households. Despite their frustrations, cultural and emotional baggage, language brokers strive to care for their parents to achieve the best outcome for them and their family.The findings allow for deeper understanding of migrant challenges, gaps in the available supports and have important implications for informed policy changes to enhance services aimed to improve the wellbeing of migrants in Australia.
Objectives: The study aimed to examine the relationship between perceptions of language brokering, rumination and psychological wellbeing.
Method: Adopting a mixed method approach the current study explored the experiences of 130 language brokers (113 females, 15 males, 1 gendered fluid and 1 preferred not to say) from varied ethnic backgrounds within the Australian context. They completed an online survey that also included five open-ended questions.
Results: The qualitative component of the study is presented in this paper. A thematic analysis of extent of brokering and the open-ended responses resulted in four main themes: The positives of being in the deep end, accuracy anxiety, emotional carry-on baggage, and procedural brokering.
Discussion: Language brokers’ perception can be influenced by their sense of obligation or pride, resulting in negative or positive feelings respectively. This study suggested that perceptions of language brokering as a ‘caring practice’ is a normative in immigrant households. Despite their frustrations, cultural and emotional baggage, language brokers strive to care for their parents to achieve the best outcome for them and their family.The findings allow for deeper understanding of migrant challenges, gaps in the available supports and have important implications for informed policy changes to enhance services aimed to improve the wellbeing of migrants in Australia.