Arabic intergenerational transmission: a systematic review of the impact of family language policy

Abstract EN

The basic datum of the study of language maintenance and language shift is that two linguistically distinguishable populations are in contact.

Hence, there are demonstrable consequences of this contact with respect to the relationship between change or stability in habitual language use, as well as ongoing psychological, social or cultural processes.

Based on previous studies investigating the use and maintenance of Arabic language among Arabic speaking immigrants, this article examines through the lens of family language policy the interplay between different factors affecting Arabic intergenerational transmission.

We argue that family language policies are important as they significantly contribute to the maintenance of minority languages.

Moreover, this paper reviews research on the role of language ideologies, practices and management in shaping family language policies, which in turn connect in significant ways with children's language developmental trajectories and also determine future status of minority languages.