Family Language Policy in the minority and migration contexts of Cyprus

The issues of heritage language (incomplete) acquisition, use, attrition, maintenance, and transmission

Authors

  • Sviatlana Karpava University of Cyprus Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1558/sols.24779

Keywords:

Family Language Policy, second-generation immigrants and minority speakers, heritage language attrition, use, maintenance, and transmission, Cyprus

Abstract

This article investigates the Family Language Policy (FLP) of minority and immigrant families in Cyprus. The participants in our study were 30 immigrant and minority families in Cyprus with various first language (L1) backgrounds, namely, Russian, Georgian, Ukrainian, Bulgarian, Romanian, English, and Arabic and minority speakers of Armenian, Lebanese, and Pontic Greek. The data were collected via written questionnaires and oral, in-depth, semi-structured interviews with a focus on the FLP, cultural and linguistic identities, heritage language (HL) (incomplete) acquisition, attrition, use maintenance and transmission, linguistic interaction patterns and the material culture at home. The analysis of the data revealed that minority and immigrant speakers in Cyprus had hybrid language and cultural identities, different perceptions regarding citizenship, inclusion, and belonging, as well as the attrition, use, maintenance, and transmission of the HL, which reflected their FLPs, agency, practices, and negotiations. They attempted to assimilate into the target society but also had strong links to the community of residence, to their L1 country, and to their heritage or home language. The participants also employed hybrid language practices, as they used mixed/multiple languages both in the home and outside it. Overall, they had a positive attitude towards multilingualism in Cyprus.

Author Biography

  • Sviatlana Karpava, University of Cyprus

    Dr Sviatlana Karpava is a Lecturer in Applied Linguistics/TESOL at the Department of English Studies, University of Cyprus, Cyprus. Her area of research includes applied linguistics, syntax, semantics and pragmatics, phonetics and phonology, speech perception and production, orthography, first/second, heritage language acquisition, bilingualism, multilingualism, sociolinguistics, teaching/education, critical digital literacy, family language policy and intercultural communication.

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Published

2024-04-29

How to Cite

Karpava, S. (2024). Family Language Policy in the minority and migration contexts of Cyprus: The issues of heritage language (incomplete) acquisition, use, attrition, maintenance, and transmission. Sociolinguistic Studies, 18(1-2), 27-58. https://doi.org/10.1558/sols.24779