Intergenerational Differences of Language Attitudes of Xibo Families

Yin Xiaorong and Li Guofang

Chinese Journal of Language Policy and Planning ›› 2019, Vol. 4 ›› Issue (2) : 31-41.

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Chinese Journal of Language Policy and Planning ›› 2019, Vol. 4 ›› Issue (2) : 31-41. DOI: 10.19689/j.cnki.cn10-1361/h.20190203

Intergenerational Differences of Language Attitudes of Xibo Families

  • Yin Xiaorong and Li Guofang
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Abstract

Language attitudes are represented by the perception of a language’s attractiveness, superiority and dynamism. To a great extent language attitudes may influence the language use and acquisition of minority families as well as the mother tongue maintenance. This paper surveyed the language attitudes of 148 Xibo parents and their children respectively to see whether there exist intergenerational differences and what their causes are. The statistic results show that the scores from attractiveness, superiority to dynamism are decreasing, which displays the structural differences of each dimensions of language attitudes. The paper suggests that Xibo people and other minorities may adopt a broader view of language and innovative discourse style to maintain the language attractiveness and social superiority and to decrease their anxiety of losing mother tongue. It also believes that minority language dynamism may be better maintained by suitable family language ideology. Dynamic and continuous bilingual ideology may help generations realize economic and cognitive value of bilingualism and stimulate the agency of family members and therefore promote cooperation among families, schools and communities.

Key words

Xibo people / language attitudes / intergenerational differences / family language policy

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Yin Xiaorong and Li Guofang. Intergenerational Differences of Language Attitudes of Xibo Families[J]. Chinese Journal of Language Policy and Planning. 2019, 4(2): 31-41 https://doi.org/10.19689/j.cnki.cn10-1361/h.20190203

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