TY - JOUR

T1 - A Catalyst for Change

T2 - Language Socialization and Norm Negotiation in a Transient Multilingual Workplace

AU - Lønsmann, Dorte

PY - 2017/12

Y1 - 2017/12

N2 - This case study of a team in an international workplace investigates processes of language socialization in a transient multilingual setting. Using interview and observational data, the analysis shows how social and linguistic norms are negotiated, with the newcomer positioned as a catalyst for changing language practices toward more English, with the ultimate aim of creating a “global mindset” in the organization. Language socialization in a transient multilingual setting is shown to focus on and assign positive value to new linguistic norms that experienced members are socialized into in a process that hinges on new members functioning as tools for management to bring about the desired change. The article shows that while the newcomer is used as a catalyst for increased use of English and for the creation of a “global mindset,” she is at the same time socialized into the existing Danish egalitarian workplace culture. The analysis also highlights the vulnerable position of the catalyst. While her status as an expert English speaker with the right “global mindset” may confer power in an internationalizing workplace, the position of catalyst is also linked with feelings of exclusion.

AB - This case study of a team in an international workplace investigates processes of language socialization in a transient multilingual setting. Using interview and observational data, the analysis shows how social and linguistic norms are negotiated, with the newcomer positioned as a catalyst for changing language practices toward more English, with the ultimate aim of creating a “global mindset” in the organization. Language socialization in a transient multilingual setting is shown to focus on and assign positive value to new linguistic norms that experienced members are socialized into in a process that hinges on new members functioning as tools for management to bring about the desired change. The article shows that while the newcomer is used as a catalyst for increased use of English and for the creation of a “global mindset,” she is at the same time socialized into the existing Danish egalitarian workplace culture. The analysis also highlights the vulnerable position of the catalyst. While her status as an expert English speaker with the right “global mindset” may confer power in an internationalizing workplace, the position of catalyst is also linked with feelings of exclusion.

KW - global mindset

KW - language choice

KW - language socialization

KW - transient multilingual community

KW - workplace interaction

UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=85038370432&partnerID=8YFLogxK

U2 - 10.1111/jola.12162

DO - 10.1111/jola.12162

M3 - Journal article

AN - SCOPUS:85038370432

VL - 27

SP - 326

EP - 343

JO - Journal of Linguistic Anthropology

JF - Journal of Linguistic Anthropology

SN - 1055-1360

IS - 3

ER -