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Identity and the Language Attitude - Strategy Alignment A Study of Balanced Bilinguals in Post-2022 Latvia

Lin, Jingsong LU (2026) ÖCKR07 20261
Joint Faculties of Humanities and Theology
Abstract
This research examines the relationship between the language attitudes and
language strategies of balanced Latvian-Russian bilinguals in Latvia, in the
context of the country’s language policies, which shifted towards securitisation
following the outbreak of the Russia-Ukraine war in 2022. To this end, the study
proposes an explanatory model in which identity negotiation serves as the key
mediating mechanism, whereby identity mediates the alignment of internal
language attitudes and external language strategies across different domains.
Employing a qualitative approach, the study conducted semi-structured
interviews with 11 balanced bilinguals. Data were analysed using narrative and
discourse analysis, identifying four... (More)
This research examines the relationship between the language attitudes and
language strategies of balanced Latvian-Russian bilinguals in Latvia, in the
context of the country’s language policies, which shifted towards securitisation
following the outbreak of the Russia-Ukraine war in 2022. To this end, the study
proposes an explanatory model in which identity negotiation serves as the key
mediating mechanism, whereby identity mediates the alignment of internal
language attitudes and external language strategies across different domains.
Employing a qualitative approach, the study conducted semi-structured
interviews with 11 balanced bilinguals. Data were analysed using narrative and
discourse analysis, identifying four significant narratives. The findings reveal
that, within the securitised linguistic context of post-2022 Latvia, there is no
simple linear correlation between language attitudes and language strategies;
rather, alignment between the two is achieved through the mediation of linguistic
identity across different domains. The study further finds that identity not only
serves as a mediating mechanism between attitudes and strategies but is also
continually reshaped through a process of feedback, thereby altering the initial
language attitudes and forming a dynamic loop of continuous identity
negotiation within balanced bilinguals in Latvia. (Less)
Please use this url to cite or link to this publication:
author
Lin, Jingsong LU
supervisor
organization
course
ÖCKR07 20261
year
type
H2 - Master's Degree (Two Years)
subject
keywords
Post-2022 Latvia, Identity Negotiation, Language Attitude, Language Strategy, Balanced Bilinguals
language
English
id
9237266
date added to LUP
2026-07-01 15:44:43
date last changed
2026-07-01 15:44:43
@misc{9237266,
  abstract     = {{This research examines the relationship between the language attitudes and 
language strategies of balanced Latvian-Russian bilinguals in Latvia, in the 
context of the country’s language policies, which shifted towards securitisation 
following the outbreak of the Russia-Ukraine war in 2022. To this end, the study 
proposes an explanatory model in which identity negotiation serves as the key 
mediating mechanism, whereby identity mediates the alignment of internal 
language attitudes and external language strategies across different domains. 
Employing a qualitative approach, the study conducted semi-structured 
interviews with 11 balanced bilinguals. Data were analysed using narrative and 
discourse analysis, identifying four significant narratives. The findings reveal 
that, within the securitised linguistic context of post-2022 Latvia, there is no 
simple linear correlation between language attitudes and language strategies;
rather, alignment between the two is achieved through the mediation of linguistic 
identity across different domains. The study further finds that identity not only 
serves as a mediating mechanism between attitudes and strategies but is also 
continually reshaped through a process of feedback, thereby altering the initial 
language attitudes and forming a dynamic loop of continuous identity 
negotiation within balanced bilinguals in Latvia.}},
  author       = {{Lin, Jingsong}},
  language     = {{eng}},
  note         = {{Student Paper}},
  title        = {{Identity and the Language Attitude - Strategy Alignment A Study of Balanced Bilinguals in Post-2022 Latvia}},
  year         = {{2026}},
}