Identity ruptures and language uses in the autobiographies of Ukrainian immigrants in Naples

The Ukrainian community is the second largest ethnic community in Naples, with 7,053 presences in 2022, well-established and composed mainly by first-generation women (79%) [1]. This paper aims to describe how the ethno-linguistic identity is constructed [2] in the autobiographical narratives [3] of Ukrainians in Naples. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 25 first-generation Ukrainian immigrants (16 females and 9 males, average age 44 years). Adopting a qualitative approach, we observed how subjects narrate the effects of migration on their plurilingual repertoires and language uses, considering both their linguistic background and the acquisition of new varieties in Naples. We also investigated how recent and “disruptive” political events influenced linguistic choices in Italy and language maintenance of both Ukrainian and Russian, also leading to a process of self-identity negotiation. [1] Dedalus Cooperativa Sociale, Modelli insediativi e livelli di integrazione dei cittadini immigrati nella città di Napoli, 2023. [2] Remotti, F., Contro l'identità, Laterza, Roma, 1997. [3] Cognigni, E., Vivere la migrazione tra e con le lingue: funzioni del racconto e dell’analisi biografica nell’apprendimento dell’italiano come lingua seconda, Porto Sant'elpidio, Wizarts, 2007.