Competing or compatible language identities in Istanbul's Kurdish workplaces?

Language choices of Kurdish workers [N=30] at Kurdish-owned eating establishments in Istanbul were observed through recordings and follow-up interviews. Particular focus was placed on Kurdish and Turkish language use in high vs. low visibility jobsites. The link between language choice and identity is established, and participants' language choices are assessed according to Somer's (2004) distinction between 'compatible' and 'rival identities.' Results indicate job visibility as a predictor of language choice. Transcript analysis provides examples in which participants exploit both Turkish and Kurdish to achieve sociolinguistic ends. These findings provide linguistic evidence of compatible identities among the selected Kurdish workers.