Language in migration: Separation individuation conflicts in relation to the mother tongue and the new language

This article views the loss of the mother tongue and the acquisition of a second language in the context of separation individuation processes. It is suggested that an internal loss accompanies the loss of the mother tongue in immigration and that it triggers separation individuation processes. Difficulties in mastering the new language may stem from unresolved intrapsychic conflicts which surface in immigration and are further burdened by interpersonal and socio-cultural conflicts in the immigrant family.