Is the Family a Driving Force in the Preservation of Heritage Languages among Chinese Immigrant Communities in the USA?

Ge Ao

doi:10.6918/IJOSSER.202408_7(8).0045

Authors

Ge Ao

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.6918/IJOSSER.202408_7(8).0045

Keywords:

Heritage Language; Bilingual; Family; Immigrant; Chinese; USA.

Abstract

Heritage languages are normally considered indigenous language for the distinction with different ethnic groups, speakers usually maintain this language for connection of original culture and identity. Researches on heritage language actually is the interactional consequence of both the global development and population migration. In this article, I will focus on Chinese immigrant communities in the USA, critically analyze how parents think about heritage language, whether these attitudes as well as behaviors affect the cognition and learning of heritage languages by their next generation, and then point out the pivotal role of family factors in carrying out bilingual education in the Chinese American community, along with its current dilemmas and solutions.

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