Linguistic Revitalization in Multilingual Communities: The Role of Family in Indigenous Languages Preservation
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.5007/1984-8412.2024.e98484Keywords:
Indigenous languages, Lecos de Apolo, Linguistic shift, Linguistic ideologies, Family language policiesAbstract
Despite their officialization and integration to the educational system, indigenous languages in Bolivia face a continuous loss of speakers. This study investigates the reasons why parents of the indigenous Leco people from Apolo, in the Bolivian Amazon, choose between transmitting indigenous languages or Spanish to their children. Using a qualitative, descriptive, collaborative, and ethnographic methodological approach, we identify that linguistic shift predominantly occurs towards Spanish, influenced by factors such as cultural valorisation, social pressure, education, and gender inequality. These findings highlight the interconnection among language, identity, and culture, providing insights into linguistic choices and their relation to social and identity structures. Moreover, the study contributes to understanding family language policies in indigenous communities and their implications for preserving indigenous languages and promoting cultural diversity in Bolivia.
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