Diaspora, Identity, and Education: Indian Languages Learning in Migration Societies

About the Project

Migration has transformed societies across the globe, reshaping cultures, identities, and education systems, and within this dynamic context, heritage and community languages play a critical role in maintaining cultural continuity, fostering identity, and ensuring the social integration of diasporic communities. This PhD project, Diaspora, Identity, and Education: Indian Languages Learning in Migration Societies, focuses on the teaching and learning of Indian languages—particularly Tamil, but also extending to other South Asian languages—in multicultural and migration societies such as Singapore, Malaysia, and beyond. It seeks to examine how diasporic Indian communities negotiate cultural identity through language learning and how education systems respond to multilingual and multicultural realities. The research will explore the role of Indian language education in shaping diasporic identities, investigate teaching and learning practices in both formal and informal contexts, analyse the influence of migration and multicultural policies on language maintenance and intergenerational transmission, document the experiences of students, teachers, and families, and develop a comparative perspective by situating the case of Indian languages within broader migration and heritage language frameworks. Key questions include how students experience heritage language learning in multicultural societies, how this shapes identity, belonging, and integration, how teachers and systems balance heritage language needs with dominant language requirements, what role family, community, and digital tools play in sustaining Indian languages across generations, and how migration policies and multicultural discourses impact education and identity formation. The project will draw on sociolinguistics of migration and diaspora, heritage language education theories, multiculturalism and transnationalism, identity theories, and policy studies. Methodologically, it will adopt a mixed-methods approach: qualitative research will include interviews and focus groups with students, teachers, and parents, as well as ethnographic observations in schools, community centres, and cultural organisations, alongside textbook and curriculum analysis; quantitative research will include surveys to measure motivation, attitudes, and identity orientations, as well as comparative analysis across different migration societies such as Singapore, Malaysia, Canada, and the UK; digital ethnography will investigate how online platforms, apps, and social media sustain heritage languages among diasporic youth. This study is significant because it will advance scholarship in applied linguistics, diaspora studies, and multicultural education by linking language learning with migration and identity, inform policymakers and educators about the role of heritage language education in sustaining multicultural harmony and cohesion, and give voice to learners and families often overlooked in mainstream education discourse. The project will also situate Indian languages within wider global debates on heritage languages, offering comparative insights relevant to migration societies worldwide. The successful PhD candidate will be based at the National Institute of Education (NIE), Nanyang Technological University (NTU), Singapore, a globally recognised hub for research in multilingualism, education, and applied linguistics. They will receive training in advanced research methods, participate in seminars and workshops on language, identity, and migration studies, engage with schools, policymakers, and community organisations, and join regional and international research networks in diaspora and heritage language studies. Candidates with backgrounds in applied linguistics, sociolinguistics, education, migration studies, cultural studies, South Asian studies, or related fields are welcome, and desirable qualities include strong interest in heritage languages, migration, and identity, along with excellent academic writing and critical analysis skills. Prior experience in language teaching, ethnography, or community engagement will be advantageous but not essential.

Important Note

We welcome you to have a conversation with Assistant Professor Kingston Pal Thamburaj (palthamburaj.k@nie.edu.sg) to discuss this PhD project further. You are strongly encouraged to reach out to him at least 3 months in advance of application deadline (i.e. 25 June 2026) as the process of confirming the supervision and preparing your proposal for application may take longer than you anticipate.

When you email Assistant Professor Kingston Pal Thambu, please:

1. Introduce yourself
2. Share about your academic background
3. Provide information on your research interests and how it is aligned with this project
4. And how you hope to achieve your PhD aspirations

We regret to inform you that only suitable PhD candidates for this project will be shortlisted for further consideration.

Minimum Entry Requirement

A Bachelor's degree with honours at least at Second Class Upper level, Master's degree in the relevant areas and the ability to pursue research in the candidate's proposed field of advanced study.

Shortlisted applicants will undergo an interview session as part of the selection process.

A valid GRE score is required for applicants who are not graduates of the Autonomous Universities in Singapore. See detailed requirements for English language on competency and GRE requirements here.

Funding Notes

Prestigious scholarships offered by the Nanyang Technological University allows outstanding PhD students to pursue their research endeavours at a world-class university. At NTU, we recognize academic excellence and research potential that will help you focus on making groundbreaking discoveries in your field.

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