Heritage Language Maintenance and Identity Construction: A Three-Generation Study of Albanian-Italian Bilinguals

This study examines how Albanian-Italian bilinguals across three generations maintain their heritage language, focusing on links among language retention, tradition, and identity in migration. Prior research connects heritage language with cultural identity and its transmission. Migrants' language views affect emotional well-being and maintenance. The study used qualitative and quantitative methods. Researchers surveyed 110 Albanian-Italian speakers aged 13 to 75 about proficiency, social background, and language history. Findings indicate that maintenance strategies influence emotional well-being and adaptation to Italian society. First-generation migrants are balanced bilinguals with strong heritage ties; second-generation speakers are active bilinguals who often code-switch; third-generation speakers are mostly passive bilinguals who use Italian with peers.The findings substantiate dynamic models of heritage language maintenance and propose a four-profile framework for bilingual identity among European migrants. The identified profiles are: (1) balanced bilinguals, or first-generation migrants exhibiting comparable proficiency in both languages; (2) active functional bilinguals, representative of the second generation, who utilize both languages yet may favor the host language; (3) passive bilinguals, of the third generation, who comprehend the heritage language but predominantly employ the host language; and (4) a transitional group spanning generations, characterized by evolving language practices and proficiency. Received: 26 July 2025 / Accepted: 20 October 2025 / Published: January 2026