Family language policy in multilingual families in lahore
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Date
2024
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Publisher
UMT Lahore
Abstract
This thesis highlights the Family Language Policies (FLPs) employed by
multilingual families living in Lahore while considering their language practices and
ideologies by applying the language policy model presented by Bernard Spolsky.
This thesis draws on the qualitative method. The data was collected through semi
structured interviews with twelve parents (either mother or father) residing in Lahore
from different linguistic backgrounds. For the analysis, the data were coded and
analyzed using thematic analysis. Findings from this thesis suggest that parents
constantly make decisions to choose and speak certain languages depending on the
situation they are in, who they are communicating with, and where they are
communicating. Additionally, to maintain their home and heritage language, they
make efforts to use them with their family and the elder members of the family,
respectively. However, they subconsciously give more priority to home language
and L2 as opposed to the heritage language. This thesis bridges the gap left behind
the previous studies by exploring the FLP of multilingual families living in their
source country. Whereas, previous studies focused largely upon the diasporic or
immigrant families. This thesis is deemed significant as it can provide valuable
insights in regard to the family language policies employed by the parents living in
Lahore and the linguistic development, they observe in their children due to their
policies. Furthermore, the current thesis approaches the family language policy
model critically.