Linguicism in Caregiving: Insights from Japanese Migrant Care Workers in Institutional Care Settings in Aotearoa New Zealand

Language communication in institutional care settings between care recipients and care workers is essential for the wellbeing and overall care experiences of both parties. However, significant challenges arise in language communication when care workers and/or care recipients are Indigenous/Tribal, minority and minoritized languages and peoples (ITMs). With the increasing reliance on migrant workforces in the care industry across many countries, language communication challenges are becoming troublesome and require careful attention. Research indicates that migrant care workers (MCWs) in care facilities often report lower job satisfaction due to high job demands, limited social support, stress related to acculturation, and discrimination both within work and outside of their care roles. However, current studies on aging and migration often overlook the exploration of language communication experiences in care settings from the perspective of MCWs who are more likely ITMs. Unlike conventional research that frames language communication challenges merely as “language barriers”, our study critically examines the experiences of Japanese MCWs’ experiences, through the lens of linguicism. Drawing insights from in-depth interviews conducted with 10 Japanese MCWs, our analysis reveals various forms of linguicism faced by the study participants. Some participants experienced discrimination due to their accents and overall language proficiency, both from care recipients and co-workers. Interpersonal linguicism is evident, but many participants also internalized language oppression. However, most Japanese MCW participants demonstrated resilient responses in coping with linguicism in their work environments.