Living in harmony: The negotiation of intergenerational family language policy in Singapore

• Published in: Language & communication 2022-01, Vol.82, p.8-27
• Main Authors: Wenhan, Xie, Bee Chin, Ng, Cavallaro, Francesco
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Bilingualism; Dual career couples; Families & family life; Family language policy; Grandparents; Ideology; Intergenerational families; Language choice; Language ideologies; Language policy; Languages; Multilingualism; Negotiation; Negotiations; Parents; Parents & parenting; Sociolinguistics
• ISSN: 0271-5309; 1873-3395
• DOI: 10.1016/j.langcom.2021.11.004

Parents are often considered the pivotal stakeholders in Family Language Policy (FLP). However, grandparents are increasingly acting as surrogate parents among multi-generational families around the globe including in dual-career families in Singapore. Analysing family interactions and interviews, this study examines how grandparent's language ideologies contribute to shaping the language ideology, management, and practices of the family, even to the extent of overwriting and becoming the dominant voice in the family's FLP. Our findings show that the grandparents seem to be driving the shift towards English. In addition, the negotiation of FLP within the Singaporean context provides insight into how ideologies and the choice of languages can be deeply intertwined with harmony within the family unit and respect for one's elders. •Parent-grandparent caregiver negotiation of Family Langauge Policy (FLP) is prevalent in dual-career families.•Grandparent's language ideologies influence the trajectory of language management and practices of the family.•Some grandparents are driving the shift towards English instead of maintaining heritage languages.•In Singapore, FLP in intergenerational homes is intertwined with values of harmony and respect for elders.