Loving your grandparents: family relationship in shaping language policy

Abstract

This study explores the influence of family relationships on family language policies and the preservation of local languages within the multilingual context of Samarinda, Indonesia. Utilizing Bourdieu’s concept of social capital, the research focuses on three families chosen through purposive sampling to ensure relevance to the study’s objectives. The participants include grandparents, parents, and children, selected based on their diverse linguistic background and their active engagement in intergenerational language transmission. The sample was designed to understand how emotional bonds and intergenerational interactions impact children’s language proficiency and aspirations. Through qualitative interviews, the study reveals that strong familial ties, particularly with grandparents, foster positive attitudes and proficiency in local languages. In contrast, limited interactions and linguistic disconnects contribute to a preference for Indonesian over local dialects. The findings underscore the critical role of grandparents in maintaining linguistic diversity and highlight the need for supportive family environments to sustain bilingualism. This research provides a comprehensive understanding of the dynamics at play in family language policies. It emphasizes the importance of intergenerational relationships in preserving linguistic heritage. This study also discusses the implications of these findings for language policy and planning, suggesting that efforts to preserve local languages must consider the familial and emotional contexts in which these languages are used. Overall, this research underscores the vital role of family dynamics in shaping language use and attitudes, advocating for policies that support intergenerational communication and language transmission.