‘A' is for alien, but also Albanian : negotiating identity when migrating to Malta : an autoethnography

Abstract

This article examines the complex dynamics of identity negotiation among Albanian migrants in Malta using the narratives of four family members to explore the multifaceted experiences of migration. Through a collaborative autoethnographic approach, the author integrates personal stories with broader social constructs, highlighting themes of attachment and loss, language barriers, discrimination, and acculturation. The study provides insight into the emotional and social processes shaping identity within the Mediterranean migration context. By adopting a reflexive stance, the author explores her role in the research process, ensuring methodological rigour and ethical responsibility. This autoethnographic exploration contributes to a deeper understanding of the intersections between personal and collective experiences of migration, while offering a unique perspective on identity formation within the Mediterranean migrant experience.