Research abstract: Politiques linguistiques familiales et intégration : balade linguistico-artistique avec un migrant de la génération 1.5
This case study looks at family language policies through the experience of a Hispanic migrant from “generation 1.5” who arrived in Canada at 14 years of age. It is based on a qualitative, interpretative, retrospective methodology using two forms of “walking interviews,” as well as art-based methods. It seeks to understand the socio-emotional, identity-related and ideological factors that have influenced his linguistic background, as well as the role of family practices in his relationship to language of origin and identity. Findings highlight the complexity of maintaining one’s heritage language, tensions between legitimacy and language attrition, and construction of a plurilingual sense of belonging.
Research process
For her project,Muñoz Cruz chose a retrospective methodology giving the participant an active role, to the point of making him a co-researcher. She conducted walking interviews to help the participant, a Colombian, recall his identity-related journey. Her approach involved a new paradigm of mobility, in which space, memory and language are connected.
Migration stories can bring up difficult memories. This approach allowed the participant to tell his story more freely. The use of art also allowed the participant to express his inner feelings through photographs related to his socio-linguistic and identity-building journey (two interviews through photo-elicitation) and through drawing.
Accents can be perceived as a differentiation marker. In his youth, the participant deployed many strategies to hide his accent and speak English as if he’d been born in Canada. It was as if he were trying to distance himself from part of his identity. He’s now restored Spanish, his language of origin, to a place of importance, and considers it essential to his identity. Muñoz Cruz concludes that identity isn’t fixed but, rather, fluid and dynamic in time. Her study also highlights the evolution of linguistic and identity paths in the context of migration.
Awards and grants
This year, Muñoz Cruz received a uOttawa Faculty of Arts Award of Excellence in Studies. She also received a grant from the Faculty of Arts, financial aid from the Graduate Students Association and support from her research supervisor to take part in a conference at the University of British Columbia.
Experience in the MA in Bilingualism Studies
Muñoz Cruz’s arrival in Canada was very positive. She worked as a research assistant for Professor Nikolay Slavkov starting in her first term, first as part of the Linguistic Risk-Taking Initiative and then as part of the Family Language Advice Service. She was also a teaching assistant and now is a French tutor to future master’s students.
Muñoz Cruz’s studies have allowed her to explore linguistics, sociolinguistics, research and issues pertaining to migration and identity. She adored her professors, whom she described as “super humans” — welcoming, open and passionate people whose lives are a practical reflection of what they teach. Their courses offered a safe space where code switching, multilingualism and plurilingualism were valued. Muñoz Cruz hopes to complete her thesis this fall and then begin a doctorate, to continue her research on bilingualism and plurilingualism.
Event participation
- CCERBAL Research Forum — May 22, 2026.
- Multidisciplinary Approaches in Language Policy and Planning Conference, Carleton University, Ottawa. Poster presentation and a discussion with sociolinguist Shahzaman Haque, an expert in family language policy (whose work was a reference for Muñoz Cruz’s own research), enabling her to receive valuable advice on her project — June 17 to 19, 2026.
- 19th Methods in Dialectology and Language Diversity International Conference “Rethinking Our Assumptions”at the University of British Columbia. Muñoz Cruz presented her research methodology, highlighting the importance of immersive, mobile and participatory practices for studying plurilingual experiences of migration — August 4 to 8, 2026.