The Linguistic Heritage of the Bangladeshi ‘New Communities’ of Venice (Italy) Between Italian and Bangla and Beyond

This paper presents the initial findings of a sociolinguistic study conducted using ethnographic methods on the Bangladeshi community of Venice (Italy). Observations and interviews were carried out with migrants of different generations, genders, educational backgrounds and jobs concerning the Heritage Language field, with both Italian as a second language and Bangla. Following the journey of the diaspora, the social and linguistic composition of the community will be detailed, as well as beliefs and practices concerning language and its role as heritage, with particular attention given to women’s conditions and opportunities.