ERIC Number: EJ1138206
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2016
Pages: 15
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: EISSN-2331-186X
EISSN: N/A
Home Language Shift and Its Implications for Chinese Language Teaching in Singapore
Li, Li; Tan, Chee Lay; Goh, Hock Huan
Cogent Education, v3 n1 Article 1161958 2016
In a bilingual society like Singapore, home language environment (HLE) of Singaporean children is becoming increasingly concerned, especially for those who are yet to have formal education in schools. The reported rapid shift of family language has increased the tensions among families, schools and communities. This study examined some of the many facets of Singaporean Chinese preschoolers' HLE, and further discussed how these facets are related to children's Chinese language proficiency in oral and written forms. Three hundred and seventy-six Singaporean Chinese six-year olds completed Chinese oral and written language proficiency screening. Their parents completed a HLE survey. The findings revealed the possible trend of home language shift from Mandarin Chinese to English in the younger generation. Aside from home language use factors, the importance of other facets that form a rich language environment is also highlighted for children's language development.
Descriptors: Native Language, Bilingualism, Family Relationship, Language Skill Attrition, Language Proficiency, Preschool Children, Family Environment, Oral Language, Written Language, Screening Tests, Parent Attitudes, Trend Analysis, Language Acquisition, Second Language Learning, English (Second Language), Mandarin Chinese, Foreign Countries, Language Usage, Socioeconomic Status, Statistical Analysis, Parent Surveys
Cogent OA. Available from: Taylor & Francis, Ltd. 530 Walnut Street Suite 850, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Tel: 800-354-1420; Tel: 215-625-8900; Fax: 215-207-0050; Web site: http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Singapore
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A