SHARE ON:
Chinese immigrant family in New Zealand: Chinese and English language
27-01-2023
Chinese and the language of instruction in early childhood education settings, which is often English, are the two languages that increasingly young children are learning at the same time as a result of the growing number of immigrant Chinese families residing in New Zealand. Studying the parents' perspectives on their child's dual language development and the language practices that are visible in family contexts is important when the family plays a vital role in promoting children's heritage language maintenance. As a part of a bigger Master's investigation of how four Chinese immigrant families encourage the dual language growth of their kids, conducted in collaboration with New Zealand Tertiary College.
Two interviews were used to gather the material, which was then thematically arranged and its main conclusions outlined. These results imply that the FLP of this immigrant family is centered on the preservation of their native tongue while taking into account the children's unique interests and educational requirements. Additionally, it is advised that in order to assist the children's multilingual growth, both the parents and the kids should learn from one another. The mother's concept of multiculturalism and multilingualism, which reveals her reflections on being a global citizen with strong cultural proclivities, is also examined as part of the results.
Introduction
Family Language Policy (FLP) is a relatively new idea, but studies on language attitudes, language control, and language usage in relation to how immigrant families pass on their native tongue to future generations have already piqued the interest of scholars throughout the globe.
All members of the family regularly practice a set of language usage and literacy-related behaviors known as the "Family Language Policy" in domestic situations. It could be implied or outright. Support from immigrant parents for their child's dual language development in the host nation is not something that just happens; rather, it is the outcome of FLP implementation done with care.
It has been shown that immigrant Chinese families appreciate their heritage language and actively work to encourage its preservation in the household. Parents encourage their children to practice English online because it is frequently spoken in the child's social milieu. The children have been able to retain a competent level of the language with an online Chinese tutor for kids twice a week, for instance https://livexp.com/online-tutors/chinese-for-kids. Early language development is critically influenced by the family as the fundamental societal unit, particularly for Chinese immigrant households in New Zealand. Early Chinese immigrants went through a phase in which their native tongue was not recognized or respected; as a result, they withdrew from larger social groups and retreated to smaller societal units like communities and families in an effort to pass on their native tongue to the following generations.