Language transmission among multilingual Chinese immigrant families in the Northern Netherlands

In: Journal of Asian Pacific communication, Band 31, Heft 2, S. 159-190

Abstract

Abstract
Maintaining heritage languages is of vital significance for multicultural families. We present a study of Mandarin
transmission among ten Dutch Chinese families in Groningen (Netherlands) associated to a local Saturday school. Data from semi-structured
interviews and a questionnaire reveal that personal, integrative, and instrumental values, all play a role in language choices. Remarkably,
with general positive attitudes towards multilingualism in Dutch society, families too feel encouraged to maintain Mandarin. Nevertheless,
they report lack of school and institutional support, and criticisms about their ability to belong in Dutch society. Parents wish that
teachers attached more importance to their heritage languages, rather than solely focusing on children's learning of Dutch (and English),
and that their own multiculturality (not only that of their children) be embraced. Likewise, parents are critical of the Chinese school, and
wish teachers better accommodated to the sensitivities and practices their children are used to from their Dutch school experience.