1. This article examines the linguistic practices of multi-ethnic migrant workers in Italy to overcome language barriers and facilitate collective labour organization.
2. Three key practices are identified as constituting an ‘improvised language of solidarity’: translation, lingua franca and humour.
3. These practices are theorized as developing from, and significantly supporting, participatory organizing within multi-ethnic communities of struggle.
The article is well-researched and provides a comprehensive overview of the existing literature on migrant workers’ organizing and linguistic practices. The authors provide a detailed description of their research methods, which helps to ensure the trustworthiness and reliability of their findings. Furthermore, the authors provide evidence for their claims by citing relevant studies in the field.
However, there are some potential biases that should be noted. Firstly, the article focuses solely on Italian migrant workers, which may limit its applicability to other contexts with different cultural norms or languages. Secondly, the authors do not explore any counterarguments or alternative perspectives on their findings, which could have provided a more balanced view of the topic. Finally, there is no discussion of possible risks associated with these linguistic practices or how they might be addressed if they arise.