ERIC Number: EJ884529
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2008
Pages: 17
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0143-4632
EISSN: N/A
Investigating Heritage Language and Culture Links: An Indo-Canadian Hindu Perspective
Kumar, Nootan; Trofimovich, Pavel; Gatbonton, Elizabeth
Journal of Multilingual and Multicultural Development, v29 n1 p49-65 2008
Although it is commonly believed that language and culture are inexorably linked, the precise nature of this relationship remains elusive. This study investigated the hypothesis that a loss in language signals a loss in culture if language is considered a central value. This hypothesis was investigated by rating the Hindi and English proficiency of 30 first and second generation Indo-Canadian Hindi speakers (15 parent-child pairs) and relating these to their reactions in a matched-guise task, featuring culturally charged English and Hindi scenarios recorded by the same speaker. The scenarios targeted one aspect of North Indian culture--the value of filial duty--in two contexts (marriage, career). It was hypothesised that, if language loss triggered culture loss, then speakers losing their Hindi (second generation), but not those maintaining it (first generation), would differ in their reactions to scenarios as a function of language. Findings revealed a language shift and the beginnings of a culture shift between the two generations. However, the shift in culture appeared not to be mediated by language. Implications of these findings for heritage language and culture maintenance, the language-culture relationship and group identity construction are discussed. (Contains 4 tables.)
Descriptors: Language Skill Attrition, Language Maintenance, Indo European Languages, Foreign Countries, English (Second Language), Second Language Learning, Language Proficiency, Task Analysis, Family Relationship, Parent Child Relationship, Cultural Background, Marriage, Careers, Cultural Maintenance, Self Concept, Questionnaires, Acculturation, Language Role
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Canada
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A