Skip to main content

LUP Student Papers

LUND UNIVERSITY LIBRARIES

”Det fina med en kärleksrelation är ju att det finns en annan intimitet. Man behöver liksom inte alltid prata” - En socialantropologisk studie om flerspråkiga relationer i en skandinavisk kontext

Harbo, Emelie LU (2025) SANK03 20251
Social Anthropology
Abstract
This thesis investigates how belonging is negotiated within romantic relationships between
partners with differing linguistic backgrounds, with a particular focus on multilingual couples
in a Scandinavian context. Drawing on qualitative interviews with nine couples, the study
examines both internal and external dimensions of the relationship, ranging from emotional
communication and identity construction to social inclusion within broader networks. The
findings indicate that language functions not merely as a practical medium of communication
but also as a striking marker of identity and an integral element in the formation of belonging.
Employing theoretical frameworks such as Signe Howell’s concept of kinning and Erving
Goffman’s... (More)
This thesis investigates how belonging is negotiated within romantic relationships between
partners with differing linguistic backgrounds, with a particular focus on multilingual couples
in a Scandinavian context. Drawing on qualitative interviews with nine couples, the study
examines both internal and external dimensions of the relationship, ranging from emotional
communication and identity construction to social inclusion within broader networks. The
findings indicate that language functions not merely as a practical medium of communication
but also as a striking marker of identity and an integral element in the formation of belonging.
Employing theoretical frameworks such as Signe Howell’s concept of kinning and Erving
Goffman’s dramaturgical model, the analysis illustrates how couples compose a shared
“couple language” and negotiate new modes of connection. Despite linguistic and cultural
differences, participants generally perceive their relationships as enriching, with differences
framed as assets rather than obstacles. The study contributes to anthropological
understandings of how global mobility, migration, and cultural diversity are reflected in
intimate relationships and how such relationships, in turn, shape rising social structures in an
increasingly globalized world. (Less)
Please use this url to cite or link to this publication:
author
Harbo, Emelie LU
supervisor
organization
course
SANK03 20251
year
type
M2 - Bachelor Degree
subject
keywords
social anthropology, multilingual relationships, kinning, language, identity
language
Swedish
id
9203992
date added to LUP
2025-06-23 12:30:33
date last changed
2025-06-23 12:30:33
@misc{9203992,
  abstract     = {{This thesis investigates how belonging is negotiated within romantic relationships between
partners with differing linguistic backgrounds, with a particular focus on multilingual couples
in a Scandinavian context. Drawing on qualitative interviews with nine couples, the study
examines both internal and external dimensions of the relationship, ranging from emotional
communication and identity construction to social inclusion within broader networks. The
findings indicate that language functions not merely as a practical medium of communication
but also as a striking marker of identity and an integral element in the formation of belonging.
Employing theoretical frameworks such as Signe Howell’s concept of kinning and Erving
Goffman’s dramaturgical model, the analysis illustrates how couples compose a shared
“couple language” and negotiate new modes of connection. Despite linguistic and cultural
differences, participants generally perceive their relationships as enriching, with differences
framed as assets rather than obstacles. The study contributes to anthropological
understandings of how global mobility, migration, and cultural diversity are reflected in
intimate relationships and how such relationships, in turn, shape rising social structures in an
increasingly globalized world.}},
  author       = {{Harbo, Emelie}},
  language     = {{swe}},
  note         = {{Student Paper}},
  title        = {{”Det fina med en kärleksrelation är ju att det finns en annan intimitet. Man behöver liksom inte alltid prata” - En socialantropologisk studie om flerspråkiga relationer i en skandinavisk kontext}},
  year         = {{2025}},
}