Liminal but Competent: Latin American Migrant Children and School in Australia

Abstract

Indisputably school is the main institution that socialises migrant children into the culture of their new country. Through school they l earn the new language and customs, which will enable them to become cultural brokers between the new cultural world and their families. During this process migrant children often transit a liminal terrain where their roles and identity become at the same time diverse and ambivalent. Despite the challenges involved these children often become experts in juggling different cultures, environments and expectations. This study explores the experiences of Latin American children and their families as they start primary school in Australia.