MODULE 2: Factors Contributing to Language Shift

Introduction Statement

            This module consists of a brief description of the factors that contribute or promote language shift. As mentioned in module 1, language shift occurs when one language is replaced by another as the primary means of communication and socialization within a community (Potowsky, 2013). Native language loss or language shift is a common phenomenon that occurs in societies where immigrants and their children are in contact with a dominant language (Brown, 2008). In the United States, however, powerful social and political factors promote language shift and minority language loss (Filmore, 2000). According to Portes and Hao (1998), the longer an individual has lived in the United States, the weaker his or her proficiency of their mother tongue.

            Furthermore, according to Fishman (1964: 2013), “languages sometimes replace each other, among some speakers particularly in certain types or domains of language behavior, under some conditions of intergroup contact” (p. 32). It has been largely discussed that language shift can be seen as a choice individuals make, but the truth is that they do not always have a choice (Lane, 2010). There are numerous factors or conditions that influence and contribute to the interruption of the transmission of the mother tongue (Lane, 2010; Potowsky, 2013; Schüpbach, 2009).

            But, which are those factors? Sofu (2009) mentioned that language shift that arises at individual or societal levels due to social and psychological factors in which community members are in. Potowsky (2013) agreed that language shift is a phenomenon that must be studied at both the individual and the group level, because it is through an individual’s language use that a language might be lost in a family and in a broader society.

            According to Brown (2008), the factors that contribute to language shift vary greatly and are mostly connected. At the societal level, economic factors, demographic factors, institutional support factors, environmental factors, and political factors have commonly been discussed in previous literature (Filmore, 2000; Lane; 2010; Sofu, 2009). On the other hand, at the individual level, it is through factors such as language behavior, language attitudes, pattern of language use with the family, among others,  that language is either maintained and transmitted to future generations or shifted to the dominant language (Nawanz, Umer, Anjum, & Ramzan, 2012; Sofu, 2009).

            Finally, language shift is the consequence of both internal and external forces operating on individuals. The internal factors have to do with the wish for social inclusion, acceptance, conformity, and more important the need to communicate with others. On the other hand, the external factors contributing to language shift are the sociopolitical ones operating in the society against outsiders, against differences, against diversity (Filmore, 2000).

            To see some of the different factors contributing to language shift, continue with the activities presented in this module.