Chinese Heritage Language Maintenance and Identity Construction: Investigation of the Family Language Policy of Chinese Immigrant Families in New Zealand

This study attempts to shed light on Chinese heritage language (CHL) maintenance and identity construction in Chinese immigrant families in New Zealand by investigating the implementation of family language policy (FLP) and the sequential outcomes of CHL competency. Accordingly, it provides valuable information for Chinese and other immigrant families in New Zealand to assist the next generations' heritage language preservation and hybrid identity formation. Based on Spolsky’s (2004) language policy model, language beliefs, language practices and language management were examined in Chinese immigrant families, thus indicating the reality of FLP, factors affecting FLP, and the impact of FLP practice on CHL retention and identity formation. The research consists of three studies. Study One employed a quantitative method to investigate the FLP of Chinese immigrant families with school-aged children. One hundred and fourteen families participated in the online survey, and the data revealed an overall feature of the FLP implemented in these families and their children’s Chinese proficiency. The study’s results also indicated the relationship between these three components of FLP and their relationship to children’s CHL development. Study Two interviewed ten families to get more detailed information about their FLPs. The findings indicated the external support these families received and the difficulties they were confronted with. Some practical ways for promoting CHL development were provided. Study Three employed a qualitative approach to investigate the FLP of youth with a Chinese immigration background. The data indicated the consistency of the FLP in Chinese immigrant families over time. The various levels of these young peoples’ Chinese competence corresponded with their FLP in childhood and adolescence. Their CHL development also had a positive impact on their identity construction. The research findings provide valuable information about common CHL practices in New Zealand. Exploring relevant influential factors gives parents new insights into the establishment and complementarity of a heritage language-oriented family language policy, thus promoting children’s heritage language preservation and hybrid identity formation. In the long run, this will contribute to language diversity and immigrant offspring’s well-being in New Zealand and other relevant international contexts.

Name thesis:degree_name

PhD

Level thesis:degree_level

Doctoral

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Education

Grantor dc:publisher

ResearchSpace@Auckland

Year dc:date.issued

2023

Author dc:creator

• Ji, Di

Advisors dc:contributor.advisor

• May, Stephen
• Keegan, Peter

Statement dc:rights

• Items in ResearchSpace are protected by copyright, with all rights reserved, unless otherwise indicated.

Licence dc:rights.uri

• https://researchspace.auckland.ac.nz/docs/uoa-docs/rights.htm

Handle dc:identifier.uri

https://hdl.handle.net/2292/64923

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:researchspace.auckland.ac.nz:2292/64923