Family language policy for mixed language couples in Bejaia

Abstract

The present research investigates how family language policies of mixed-language households are played out at home. The main concern is the understanding of the parents. dynamics and strategies they adopt throughout the process of language transmission and how this can be associated to parental language ideologies and to other influencing factors. Data are gathered from organized semi-structured interviews with one spouse of each of nine intermarried couples of different linguistic profiles, speaking either Kabyle or Arabic and living in the Wilaya of Bejaia. Additionally, two families out of the nine were subject to observations of their home interactions. The results of the study show mainly that 1) parents. ideologies are of a great importance in the establishment of the FLP of mixed-language families as they are the primary decision makers in the home. 2) FLP is specific to every mixed-language household. 3) FLP is a naturally rooted process regardless the fact that it can be either spontaneous or sometimes decided. 4) FLP can remain constant as it can undergo changes through time. 5) Children have important roles in building the families. linguistic profiles. 6) Siblings and grandparents show great contributions in planning out the FLP.s and in children.s language acquisition. 7) There are possible factors either intra or extra-family that can impact the FLP. 8) Language loyalty is a key reason behind the maintenance and the transmission of the mother tongues. And finally, 9) the language to be used in home discussions can be chosen according to the nature of the subject to be discussed.