ABOVE (clippings from left to right):
1. "Reading in Italian", Portsmouth Evening News, Saturday 20 June 1953 (page 9)
2. "Address in Italian", Portsmouth Evening News, Saturday 9th May 1953 (page 7)
3. "Educational": Sussex Agricultural Express, Friday 25 January 1957 (page 4)
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"Reading in Italian" and "Address in Italian" provide two documented examples of the weekly meetings of the Portsmouth Linguists' Club, based in Southsea, Hampshire. Although there is evidence that talks and readings were also given in French and Spanish on other occasions, the above extracts demonstrate the apparent allure of Italian culture and a willingness to learn about and engage with it. Similarly, the extract titled "Educational" displays an advertisement for a beginners' course in Italian. All three examples suggest there was some interest in the Italian language and culture, although how widespread this was cannot be assumed from these alone. They may again, however, provide some indication as to why Italian migrants have often appeared to assimilate entirely into British society, despite this not always being the case.
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Sources for all: British Newspaper Archives
Images © Johnston Press plc. Image created courtesy of THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD.
ABOVE: Clippings from the Sussex Agricultural Express, dated Friday 27 April 1956 (page 8), discussing a play adapted from Italian and performed by the Lewes Theatre Club, in East Sussex.
The extracts support the suggestion that Italian culture was well-received in England, especially by the 1950s, although perhaps not always fully understood. According to the second extract, the actors in the play needed to "convince" the audience of the "Italian values" of the characters, apparently as a result of being unable to translate cultural differences precisely into English. It is possible to see from this, therefore, how Italian migrants may have appeared to be so well-integrated into British society but that popularised 'versions' of Italy had resulted in some misunderstandings, whether intentional or not.
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Source: British Newspaper Archives
Image © Johnston Press plc. Image created courtesy of THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD.
INVISIBLE MIGRANTS?
The term 'invisible migrant' can be used in more than one way in discussions of migration and migrant experience. In this context it has been applied to indicate the misconceptions that some European migrants, including Italians, are better assimilated in Britain than other migrant groups, mainly on the basis of race and ethnicity, and perceptions of culture.
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It is also important to note, however, that the term has also been used in discussions about the following:
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Human trafficking
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The experiences of Asylum seekers, refugees, and undocumented migrants
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Those excluded from receiving state benefits, such as welfare and medical care, due to their migrant status
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Groups who 'returned' to Europe following decolonisation
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In 1977, Russell King claimed that Italians were "often referred to as an exemplary case of successful immigration", owing to their hard-working nature and their family-centred lifestyles.[1] King goes on to admit that, whilst this was not necessarily untrue, these attributions did not make Italians superior to any other migrant groups, nor did it mean they had seamlessly assimilated into life in Britain. Following decolonisation, and the growth of post-colonial studies*, it became apparent that, in the eyes of some, there was a perceived difference between European migrants and those who arrived in Britain from the Commonwealth or other former colonies.
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Most of those who reflected on their experiences of moving to the South Coast recall having to cope with the language barrier, especially in the early days. Some found learning English less difficult, especially those who had the help of work colleagues and neighbours, whilst others found the experience not only extremely challenging, but isolating at times. In addition, in the immediate post-War period, the customs and traditions that came with Italian migrants were also found to be noticeably different, especially in terms of food and attitudes towards family and religion.
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The response for many was to create a series of close-knit communities in which individuals could rely on each other for support ​and advice, if needed. On top of this, from the 1950s onwards, the growing commercial success of Italy and Italian culture ​meant that, combined, these factors often gave the impression of complete assimilation, especially as children began attending local schools and the so-called second and third generations were born.
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[1] R. King., "Italian Migration to Britain", Geography, 62:3, pp. 176-186, July 1977.
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*Post-Colonial Studies: An area of academic study which explores and analyses the origins and legacies of colonialism and imperialism, including the social, economic, political, and human effects. Postcolonial studies and migration studies often overlap, but they can also be considered separately.