Language, identity and cultural continuity : a study of language maintenance and shift amongst Norwegian migrants in Lake Telemark, New Jersey

Abstract

This thesis addresses the issue of language and identity and the phenomena of language maintenance and shift (LMS) in an immigrant context. The concept of LMS is explored by examining variables that may have influenced language choice among a group of Norwegians who immigrated to the USA after World War II, before settling in the vicinity of Lake Telemark in New Jersey during the 1950s and 60s. A study conducted in October 2012 of a sample of 14 of these migrants resulted in the data upon which this thesis is based.