Purpose Statement

              Previous research has discussed that wherever there are two or more languages in contact, a rapid or slow shift is inevitable (Baker, 2006; Sofu, 2009). Similarly, the previous literature on language shift has typically described the declining use of a language as a process that takes place over the course of several generations of speakers (Suslak, 2009). However, it is important to consider that there are several factors influencing the language choice that take the new generations to incline toward a linguistic shift that favors the dominant language of their social network (Lanza & Svendsen, 2007).

            Therefore, the aim of this website is to describe the factors influencing a linguistic shift across generations and its effects on cultural and linguistic heritage maintenance in order to encourage the second, third and further generations to retake and revive the language of their ethnic origins through bilingual education. Given that scholars have suggested that it might be possible that individuals of third and fourth generations feel more inclined to retake the linguistic roots of their ancestors (Baker, 2006; Schlesinger, 1998). At this stage, linguistic shift will be generally defined as the replacement of one language by another as the primary means of communication and socialization within a community (Mesthrie, Swann, Deumert, &Leap as cited in Sofu, 2009, p. 246).

References

Baker, C. (2006). Foundations of bilingual education and bilingualism (4^th Ed.). Buffalo: Multilingual Matters.

Lanza, E., & Svendsen, B. (2007). Tell me who your friends are and I might be able to tell you what language(s) you speak: Social network analysis, multilingualism, and identity. International Journal of Bilingualism, 11(3), 275-300

Schlesinger, Jr., A. M. (1998). The disuniting of America: Reflections on a multilingual society. New York: W.W. Norton & Co.

Sofu, H. (2009). Language shift or maintenance within three generations: Examples from three Turkish-Arabic-speaking families. International Journal of Multilingualism, 6(3), 246-257. doi:10.1080/14790710902878684

Suslak, D. F. (2009). The sociolinguistic problem of generations. Language & Communication, 29(3), 199-209. doi:10.1016/j.langcom.2009.02.003