Child language brokering: how migrant children play an active role and maximize their human factor

Children and young adults belonging to immigrant families often translate for their parents and other family members who are still not proficient in the official language, a practice known as Child Language Brokering. The task that these children perform is multi-faceted, controversial and it may represent a source of responsibility. This presentation sets out to analyse the ways in which child language brokering is achieved and to highlight child language brokers’ agency. This analysis is based on the study of extracts from one child language brokered interaction that was audio-recorded and transcribed using a simplified version of conventions applied in conversation analysis. By looking at how the participants of the interaction co-construct their understanding, this study examines the role of child language brokers as proactive participants and their contribution to the achievement of the communication. The findings show the agency and the active role of child language brokers.