Face[t]s of First Language Loss

by Kouritzin, Sandra G.

• ISBN13: 9780805831856
• ISBN10: 0805831851
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 1999-04-01
• Publisher: Lawrence Erlbau

Summary

This book contributes to the understanding of first-language loss in both immigrant and indigenous communities in (at least) three ways. First, it provides insight into the process of language loss and the factors contributing to it. Second, it attempts to define, from an insider perspective, what it means to "lose" a language. Third, it analyzes the perceived consequences of first language loss in terms of social, academic, emotional, and economic factors--an approach previously lacking in research on language loss. Most studies of first language loss are impersonal, even when they tell emotional stories. This polyphonic book about language loss and imperfect learning of heritage languages tells the inside story. Easy to read and yet academic, it gives voice to five different storytellers who relate the histories of their first language loss and analyzes themes from 21 life-history case studies of adults who had lost their first languages while learning English. The stories in this book make a compelling argument that heritage languages should be preserved, that ESL should be about developing bilinguals not English monolinguals. Important reading for researchers, practitioners, and graduate students in ESL and bilingual education, multicultural education, cultural studies, and sociology, this book will also interest qualitative researchers as an example of a unique form of both doing and writing research.

Table of Contents

Preface	ix
INTRODUCTION	1	(24)
On What Pretext?	3	(4)
A Pre/text for Language Loss Research	7	(18)
Background	11	(1)
Definition of Terms	12	(1)
Context	13	(5)
Language Loss That Isn't: Language Shift	14	(1)
Minority-Language Families	15	(1)
Individual Language Loss	16	(1)
The Majority-Language Culture	16	(2)
Questioning Findings and Methodologies	18	(1)
Considerations of the Present Study	19	(2)
Life History	19	(2)
Subjects	21	(4)
I. FACE-TOUCHING: A STORY BOOK	25	(122)
A Musical Interlude	27	(4)
Ariana: Introduction	31	(12)
The Interview Context	31	(3)
The Life History Context	34	(3)
The Narrative Context	37	(6)
Ariana's Story: But I'm Canadian-Born	43	(8)
Richard: Introduction	51	(12)
The Interview Context	51	(4)
The Life History Context	55	(4)
The Narrative Context	59	(4)
Richard's Story: English Is a Full-Time Job	63	(12)
Lara: Introduction	75	(12)
The Interview Context	75	(2)
The Life History Context	77	(4)
The Narrative Context	81	(6)
Lara's Story: An Outsider Looking In	87	(10)
Brian: Introduction	97	(14)
The Interview Context	97	(3)
The Life History Context	100	(6)
The Narrative Context	106	(5)
Brian's Story: Nothing Too Deep	111	(8)
Helena: Introduction	119	(16)
The Interview Context	119	(4)
The Life History Context	123	(6)
The Narrative Context	129	(6)
Helena's Story: Learning the Rules	135	(12)
II. DWELLING IN THE BORDERLANDS	147	(70)
Borders	149	(4)
Introduction	153	(16)
Inhabitants	153	(16)
Nadia	154	(1)
William	155	(1)
Dhiet	156	(1)
Greta	157	(1)
Alexandra	158	(1)
Kuong	159	(1)
Kurt, Cameron, and Julian	160	(1)
Alex	160	(1)
Naomi	161	(1)
Hana Kim	162	(1)
Minette	163	(1)
Nellie	164	(1)
Michael	165	(1)
Charles	165	(4)
Family Relationships	169	(8)
Self-Image and Cultural Identity	177	(10)
School Relationships	187	(8)
School Performance	195	(6)
The Meaning of Loss	201	(8)
Discordance	207	(2)
Conclusion	209	(8)
Not a Finale: A Decrescendo	209	(6)
Summary	209	(2)
Implications	211	(1)
Reflections	212	(3)
Appendix A: Life History Selection Criteria	215	(1)
Appendix B: Subject Biographical Information	216	(1)
References	217	(8)
Author Index	225	(2)
Subject Index	227