First Advisor

Carolyn Quam

Date of Award

Spring 6-14-2024

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Speech and Hearing Sciences and University Honors

Department

Speech and Hearing Sciences

Language

English

Subjects

Heritage Language, Heritage Language Maintenance, Language Status, Language Policy, Family Language Policy, Scoping Review

DOI

10.15760/honors.1576

Abstract

This scoping review of qualitative research examines effects of language status, community advice to parents, and parents' beliefs on heritage-language maintenance within a U.S. context. The review was guided by three research questions: 1. What is the nature of the relationship between a heritage language's (HL) status in society and language maintenance across generations? 2. How does information parents receive from community members (e.g., health professionals, teachers, friends, and family) influence their beliefs about the HL? 3. How do parents' beliefs about the impact of a HL on academic or career success influence HL transmission? Through a rigorous data extraction and screening process, performed in accordance with JBI methodology, twenty-nine articles were identified and included in the review. After qualitative content analysis was completed, four relevant overarching themes (and nine subthemes) were identified. Findings indicated that parents often desired to pass their HL to their children, especially to maintain family coherence. However, not all of them felt empowered to do so due to limited resources and support. Throughout the dataset, a variety of individual- and community-level factors were reported to affect HL maintenance. Approaching HL maintenance comprehensively and compassionately through a community and strength-based perspective may enhance the music of multiculturalism throughout the U.S., encouraging cultural and linguistic diversity.

Persistent Identifier

https://archives.pdx.edu/ds/psu/42179

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