Mandarin maintenance among immigrant children from the People's Republic of China: an examination of individual networks of linguistic contact

摘要

This detailed phenomenological study of three immigrant children's individual networks of linguistic contact (INLC) (interpersonal contact, educational support and contact through media) challenges the myth that heritage language maintenance is solely the responsibility of Chinese immigrant families and communities. Through examining children's ethnolinguistic experiences with INLC, this study identified and analysed factors that contribute to or impede children's Mandarin maintenance. Furthermore, this study made suggestions as to how a concerted effort from all spheres of the society can expand positive and abrogate negative factors.