Date of Award
11-2008
Culminating Project Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Child and Family Studies: Family Studies: M.S.
Department
Child and Family Studies
College
School of Education
First Advisor
Glen Palm
Second Advisor
Farzaneh Zargham
Third Advisor
Marya Teutsch-Dwyer
Keywords and Subject Headings
bilingual, family, mothers, language, choice
Abstract
The study of the factors which contribute to the language choice of bilingual mothers was designed to more deeply examine how parenting in the United States works in families for whom English is a second language. In-depth interviews were used to explore the beliefs and experiences concerning language choice of eight bilingual mothers with young children.
Previous literature in the field has described attitudes towards and strategies for bilingual language maintenance, but little is available on how this process actually works in families. All of the women interviewed were from Mexico, with Spanish as their original language. Literature relating specifically to Spanish-language issues in the United States was also explored.
The study identified some important insights about the ways that parents and children adapt to each other in their language use, and the manner in which outside and inside factors impact the family in its developing language environment. These insights can support professionals in their service to bilingual families, as well as assisting the parents themselves as they continue in their endeavor to raise bilingual children in the United States.
Recommended Citation
Jentz, Karen L., "The Bilingual Dance: Factors that Contribute to the Language Choice of Bilingual Mothers" (2008). Culminating Projects in Child and Family Studies. 67.
https://repository.stcloudstate.edu/cfs_etds/67
