Polish-German preschoolers develop and use heritage Polish differently depending on whether they heard German from birth or not

Family language policy (FLP) provides a critical framework to explain the planning of language use in the home. It constitutes a dynamic construct that sheds light on variations in the language acquisition of bilingual children, potentially explaining the shifts that may occur in language dominance and preference. The environment and life experiences are thought to shape FLP, yet little is known about the function of age. This study examines the association of FLP with children’s chronological age and the age they become bilingual. Data were collected via questionnaires from parents and their bilingual children (n = 82) aged 5.08–14.08 (M = 8.98, SD = 3.27) speaking English (heritage language) and Hebrew (societal language). Correlations and logistic regressions indicate a relationship between FLP and dimensions of age. Findings reveal that age may have repercussions for parent language beliefs, patterns of language use within the home, and the adoption of language promotion strategies. Younger children and children with a later age of onset of bilingualism are associated with families who lean towards a pro-heritage language FLP. Considering dimensions of age enhances our understanding of FLP and may offer a greater insight into how languages are supported in the bilingual home.

Section: The Relationship Between Flp and Aobsupporting

confidence: 73%

“…Children with an AOB from birth may have been exposed to the heritage language from one parent and the societal language from the other parent. In contrast, those with a later AOB are anticipated to be exposed to the heritage language from both parents (De Houwer 2023). Child-rearing practices also change with CA (Orellana et al 2001).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The Role of Age Variables in Family Language Policy

Rose,

Armon-Lotem,

Altman

2024

Assessing the Role of Input Factors in Harmonious Bilingual Development in Children

Tiulkova,

Marijanović,

Camps

et al. 2024

This study delves into the concept of Harmonious Bilingual Development (HBD), characterizing families where linguistic situations do not adversely affect their well-being. Following a recently proposed holistic framework on Harmonious Bilingual Experience (HBE), this research aims to discern the relationship between input factors and the bilingual children’s social–emotional and behavioral skills (SEBS). While input undoubtedly plays a major role in bilingual development, more insight is needed on the quantity and quality of input necessary to foster HBD. A total of 36 five-year-old children with Russian and French as their first languages participated in our study. Children’s language exposure and input quality, as well as parental attitudes, beliefs and strategies regarding language transmission, were assessed with parent questionnaires and activity journals. Additionally, parents assessed their children’s SEBS using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire. Hierarchical cluster analysis identified family profiles which support HBD. We found that the quantity of Russian input, as measured by current exposure, does not directly correlate with SEBS. However, less than 30% of weekly input in Russian appears insufficient for achieving HBD. Furthermore, our study suggests that engaging in at least one extra-curricular activity in Russian, e.g., Saturday school, coupled with parental impact belief, aligns with a family profile experiencing more HBD. These results are coherent with previous studies on harmonious bilingualism, and emphasize the interplay of quantitative and qualitative input factors, as well as SEBS, for achieving HBD.

Polish Language Maintenance and Transmission in Finnish Diaspora: A Study of Family Dynamics and Cultural Influences

Jakubek-Głąb

2024

The Polish diaspora is represented worldwide. Yet, little is known about Polish language and culture maintenance in Finland. However, the language practices of Polish families living there are worth being investigated, particularly in relation to language maintenance and transmission. This research aims to explore how families engage with the Polish language and what factors contribute to its preservation. The study focuses on the role of family dynamics, including interactions, communication patterns, and language choices within the family unit. The research is built on a survey of representatives of the Polish diaspora in Finland and a qualitative case study of a Polish family living in Finland. It uses content and descriptive analyses. The results identify effective strategies and interventions that can enhance the long-term vitality of the Polish language in diaspora communities. Cultural influences, such as traditions, values, and identities, are considered in relation to the sustainability of language development.