Migrant entrepreneurship in official minority language contexts: a literature review

Abstract

Purpose

Numerous studies have investigated the role of language proficiency in the integration of migrants into their host countries; however, they have often overlooked the intricacies of language in cases in which the host country has multiple official languages. Therefore, this study aims to explore the impact of minor official languages on migrant entrepreneurship by examining the latest developments in the literature.

Design/methodology/approach

We conducted a descriptive literature review using a systematic approach and analyzed 22 publications that examined migrant integration and entrepreneurship in countries with at least two official languages.

Findings

Three primary themes within the current research were highlighted: (1) migrant embeddedness, (2) the role of linguistic competences and (3) migrant entrepreneurial motivation. By leveraging their proficiency in minority official languages, migrant entrepreneurs embed themselves within both the minority and majority communities of the host country. Such an integration process presents them with different sets of advantages and disadvantages at various levels–institutional, market-entry and community–which influence their ability to access resources, navigate a complex entrepreneurial landscape, and achieve growth and sustainability in their ventures.

Originality/value

Although most migrants integrate into the dominant majority language, many countries facilitate their integration through official minority languages–an important factor to consider in both academic research and practice. Based on our findings, we developed three research streams and practical implications for policymakers on the topic of minor official languages in migrant entrepreneurship.

Keywords: Migrant entrepreneurs, Linguistic skills, Official minority languages, Multilingual countries, Integration