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The Role of Immigrant Parents in Children's Heritage Language Maintenance and Bilingualism: Insights From Theory and Research

The Role of Immigrant Parents in Children's Heritage Language Maintenance and Bilingualism: Insights From Theory and Research
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Author(s): Dimitra Sitareniou (Neapolis University Pafos, Cyprus)and Marilena Mousoulidou (Neapolis University Pafos, Cyprus)
Copyright: 2026
Pages: 38
Source title: Optimizing Bilingual Development in Typical and Atypical Children: Language Acquisition, Use, and Interventions
Source Author(s)/Editor(s): Dimitra V. Katsarou (University of the Aegean, Greece)and Ifigeneia Dosi (Democritus University of Thrace, Greece)
DOI: 10.4018/979-8-3373-1752-6.ch001

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Abstract

This chapter explores the vital role of immigrant parents in maintaining heritage languages and promoting bilingualism in their children by integrating theoretical perspectives and empirical research from linguistics, psychology, education, and sociology. It discusses debates around heritage language terminology and bilingualism, highlighting their complex and variable nature. Using interdisciplinary frameworks and findings from studies on acculturation, language socialization, and home language environments, the chapter investigates how parents act as key agents in HLM. It emphasizes Family Language Policy, particularly Spolsky's model, illustrating how parental beliefs, language practices, and management influence the HLM and bilingual development of immigrant children. The chapter reviews research evidence on parents' influence and examines the connection between family-level dynamics and broader sociocultural contexts. Finally, it considers children's agency, as well as peers' and teachers' roles, emphasizing the co-constructive relationship in shaping HLM and bilingualism.

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