Language Choice Among Iranians In Sweden

摘要

This study explores the language choice among Iranians in Sweden, both inside and outside the home domain. The data are collected from 188 participants through structured interviews and questionnaires. The results show that Persian is the main instrument of communication in the home domain between parents and children. However, some Swedish is also used, especially by the members of the second generation. The results also reveal that Swedish is the language most frequently used outside the home domain. It is also shown that mothers use Swedish more than fathers. It is argued that this may be because they are much more involved in their children's education, which demands greater second language skills. The topic of education gradually constrains the language that mothers share with their children. It becomes more natural, straightforward and less time-consuming for both mothers and children to talk in Swedish about matters that concern school. It also seems that having greater second language skills along with the responsibility for the children's education bring about social mobility for women, not only within their families but also within the society as a whole.