| Abstract [eng] |
When two languages collide in the context of emigration, the heritage language is in danger of extinction because the two languages are different in size, power, vitality, and prestige. The main aims of this dissertation are to investigate specific factors that help to maintain the Lithuanian language in Lithuanian emigrant families and explore language management strategies of maintaining the language. This investigation is based on a quantitative survey (n = 438) and qualitative in-depth semi-standardised interviews (n = 20) from the USA. The data shows that successful maintenance of the Lithuanian language depends on many factors including historical circumstances, emigration wave, attitude towards Lithuania, perception of identity and roots, knowledge of the history of Lithuania and that of one’s family. The main reasons to maintain the Lithuanian language are ideological. The idea that it ensures the maintenance and vitality of language and culture is important for emigrants of different waves and generations. No less important is to note that participants have expressed a wish to protect the Lithuanian language by keeping it ‘clean’, ‘true’. Yet another reason for maintenance the language is willingness to encompass two worlds, countries and cultures. There are also several practical reasons: being proficient in several languages is good and being able to communicate with other Lithuanians is essential. Successful maintenance of the Lithuanian language has been due to a conscious decision by the members of the family to keep the language as a language of communication in the family and to pass it over to the younger generation. The investigation has identified the prevalence of the authoritarian management model of language maintenance in those families. No less important is the social environment outside the children’s home domain. Formal education and active involvement in the Lithuanian community are considered significant factors contributing to learning/maintaining the Lithuanian language. Trips to Lithuania also help strengthen the sense of ethnic identity. |
