This paper deals with the language dilemmas of (semi-)forced migrant labourers as they try to integrate into a new region and obtain a greater economic foothold, focusing in particular on two 'subordinate' migrant communities in KwaZulu-Natal: those originating from India (i.e., Tamil, Telugu, Bhojpuri-Hindi and Urdu) and from Mozambique (i.e., Makhuwa and Yao). Al of these languages face local endangerment as intergenerational transmission has ceased or become difficult to achieve. Of special relevance in this process are the 'internal' realignments that migrants face and the external realignments imposed by the dominant economy.