Transnational Spaces and Linguistic Capital

In our paper we aim to test both assumptions with respect to linguistic capital in Switzerland.
On the one hand we study the determinants of linguistic capital in general (number of
languages spoken) and on the other hand of Swiss-specific linguistic capital (number of Swiss
main languages spoken). Whereas the accumulation of linguistic capital should generally
increase opportunities in transnational spaces (in particular in the job market), Swiss-specific
capital should be especially beneficial in the Swiss context. In the analysis we mainly focus
on different transnational relations and experiences as determinants of linguistic proficiency.
Our main assumption with respect to Swiss-specific capital is, that relations to countries were
national languages of Switzerland are spoken, should increase linguistic capital, relations to
other countries should have a negative effect on linguistic proficiency. Thereby, we are able
to test if and which transnational networks and experiences have a negative effect on
migrants’ linguistic acculturation in their host country (Swiss-specific linguistic capital) and if
and which transnational networks and experiences have a positive effect on linguistic capital
in general. Moreover, by the differentiation of the linguistic capital (general vs. Swissspecific)
and the comparison of migrants and non-migrants we are able to highlight
differences and commonalities and thereby also contribute to the discussion of factors
fostering the accumulation of transnational linguistic capital in general.