The effects of language practices of Hmong students on Hmong families
Author(s):
Xiong, Kao
Format:
Thesis
Degree granted:
Ph.D.
Publisher:
Ann Arbor : The University of Wisconsin - Madison, 2011.
Pages:
109
Language:
English
Abstract:
This study examines how the language practices of Hmong students affect family relationships. To examine this issue, I studied five Hmong immigrant families in Central Wisconsin. The research project addresses the following issues: language practices of Hmong families, family relationships within immigrant Hmong families, role reversal, parental involvement, loss of heritage language and code-switching. There were four major findings of the study. First, parents have an influence on children's heritage language maintenance. In homes where parents expected Hmong to be spoken and modeled the language usage at home, the children were more likely to maintain their heritage and heritage practices language. Second, role reversal, as indicated in the literature on Hmong immigrants, is still prevalent in some Hmong families. Third, parents and students agreed that maintaining their heritage was important, but disagreed on what constituted heritage maintenance. Fourth, language practices among peers were generated out of necessity for 2.0 generation students in this study who had limited Hmong language skills. Code-switching among these peer groups was influenced by their ability to speak English and Hmong. Based on these findings, this study highlights the importance of family and peer relationships when examining language practices. In addition, it provides recommendations for how school systems, social policies, and cultural associations can assist Hmong families with heritage language and heritage maintenance. Keywords: Language practice, Role reversal, Heritage language, heritage maintenance