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Transitional bilingualism : a study of the language experience of some families of Pakistani origin living in Britain
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Khan, Julia (1998) Transitional bilingualism : a study of the language experience of some families of Pakistani origin living in Britain. PhD thesis, University of Warwick.
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Official URL: http://webcat.warwick.ac.uk/record=b1357578~S15
Abstract
This thesis examines the bilingualism of nine families of Pakistani origin living in England,
to gain an understanding of their experience of living through a period of rapid
intergenerational language change. The families are all linked to the medical profession
and the second generation are educationally successful. The study aims to gain insights
into the social and linguistic processes of language shift. It also aims to contribute to
understanding of the position of successful ethnic minority young people.
Qualitative research methods are used, including interviews and participant observation
and analysis of data is interpretive. A corpus of language use is analysed, focusing on
intergenerational interaction and code-switching. Discussion of educational issues draws
on policy documents.
The fIrst three chapters constitute the preliminary section of the thesis. They present the
research group, the social, linguistic and educational contexts, a theoretical framework
and a critical description of the methodological evolution of the study.
Chapters four to nine are data-based and focus on different aspects of the families'
bilingualism. Accounts of early language nurture are analysed; bilingual skills and
repertoires are investigated and the relationship between linguistic and cultural continuity
is explored. A study of in-family bilingual interaction is presented and language education
policy and its relevance to family concerns is considered.
The study draws coherence from recurring themes, and insights into the experience of
transitional bilingualism. Concern for educational success emerges strongly. The different
signifIcance of using the minority languages inside the family and outside is revealed and
the importance of long-term developments and cultural continuity is clear. Language
education policies do not always reflect the priorities of the families.
The linguistic situation of the families is very unstable but individuals may well take up
very different intellectual positions in relation to their linguistic future.
Item Type: | Thesis (PhD) | ||||
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Subjects: | H Social Sciences > HM Sociology P Language and Literature > P Philology. Linguistics |
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Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH): | Pakistanis -- Great Britain -- Case studies, Pakistanis -- Cultural assimilation -- Great Britain, Bilingualism -- Great Britain, Physicians -- Great Britain -- Case studies | ||||
Official Date: | January 1998 | ||||
Dates: |
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Institution: | University of Warwick | ||||
Theses Department: | Centre for English Language Teacher Education | ||||
Thesis Type: | PhD | ||||
Publication Status: | Unpublished | ||||
Supervisor(s)/Advisor: | Burgess, Robert G. ; Henderson, Thelma | ||||
Extent: | 331 p. | ||||
Language: | eng |
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