Identity construction among second-generation Chinese in Italy: a perspective on the symbolic function of language

As a distinct demographic navigating a cross-cultural landscape, second-generation Chinese immigrants in Italy exhibit patterns of language use that serve as crucial indicators of their identity construction. Based on a quantitative analysis of scales measuring identity, language proficiency, and linguistic behavior, this study identifies a structural paradox within this group characterized by the coexistence of “low literacy proficiency” and “strong ethnic identity.” The findings suggest that the function of the Chinese language for these individuals is shifting from a purely functional skill to a symbolic marker, acting as a primary vehicle for cultural cohesion. This symbolic usage is predominantly evident in family interactions, identity performance within peer groups, and contexts of emotional expression. The study concludes that this symbolic mode of language use constitutes a mechanism for identity maintenance that operates independently of actual literacy skills, thereby offering a novel interpretive framework for understanding heritage language acquisition and cross-cultural identity formation.