Patterns of linguistic vitality
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Lenka Zajícová
Abstract
Language use among different generations of speakers related to an informant is a frequent query in surveys about the vitality of heritage languages. This chapter shows how self-reporting is influenced by attitudes in favor of the dominant language. I identify patterns of reported use comparing immigrant and indigenous languages, especially language use with siblings. I then analyze these patterns within family members according to the generation of informants. The patterns of reported use with children and with parents show radical disagreement, which points to the significant influence of language attitudes especially when reporting on language use with children. I conclude that reported use does not accurately reflect the actual process of losing minority languages, which is slower than reported.
Abstract
Language use among different generations of speakers related to an informant is a frequent query in surveys about the vitality of heritage languages. This chapter shows how self-reporting is influenced by attitudes in favor of the dominant language. I identify patterns of reported use comparing immigrant and indigenous languages, especially language use with siblings. I then analyze these patterns within family members according to the generation of informants. The patterns of reported use with children and with parents show radical disagreement, which points to the significant influence of language attitudes especially when reporting on language use with children. I conclude that reported use does not accurately reflect the actual process of losing minority languages, which is slower than reported.
Chapters in this book
- Prelim pages i
- Table of contents v
- Acknowledgements vii
- Preface ix
- Introduction 1
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Part I. Language integration through education
- Prosody perception meets language attitudes 11
- Perceptual attitudes towards Spanish in the Panhandle of West Virginia 39
- Differing attitudes toward Spanish sign languages in three Galician pre- and primary schools 61
- The role of attitudes in the management of multilingualism in Brazilian schools located in the Brazil-Paraguay border region 83
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Part II. Language policy
- Attitudes toward Portuguese in Uruguay in the nineteenth century 111
- Patterns of linguistic vitality 137
- Language use, language attitudes and identity in Curaçao 155
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Part III. Language maintenance
- Parental language attitudes and language use among Brazilian families in Japan 185
- Portuguese in Massachusetts 207
- Spanish-speaking immigrants in Indiana 231
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Part IV. Closing reflections
- The study of language attitudes 255
- Index 273
Chapters in this book
- Prelim pages i
- Table of contents v
- Acknowledgements vii
- Preface ix
- Introduction 1
-
Part I. Language integration through education
- Prosody perception meets language attitudes 11
- Perceptual attitudes towards Spanish in the Panhandle of West Virginia 39
- Differing attitudes toward Spanish sign languages in three Galician pre- and primary schools 61
- The role of attitudes in the management of multilingualism in Brazilian schools located in the Brazil-Paraguay border region 83
-
Part II. Language policy
- Attitudes toward Portuguese in Uruguay in the nineteenth century 111
- Patterns of linguistic vitality 137
- Language use, language attitudes and identity in Curaçao 155
-
Part III. Language maintenance
- Parental language attitudes and language use among Brazilian families in Japan 185
- Portuguese in Massachusetts 207
- Spanish-speaking immigrants in Indiana 231
-
Part IV. Closing reflections
- The study of language attitudes 255
- Index 273
