| Abstract [eng] |
Re-emigration from Norway: Language Attitudes and Linguistic Behavior The aim of this master thesis is to analyse what attitudes towards the Lithuanian language are expressed and what linguistic behavior with the Lithuanian and Norwegian language is declared in the families of re-emigrants from Norway to Lithuania. The subject of this thesis is language attitudes and linguistic behaviour of re-emigrants and their families who have spent at least 3 years in emigration in Norway. In order to collect the data, 10 semi-structured in-depth interviews were taken. Then they were transcribed and analysed by using a qualitative research method. The analysis has shown that Lithuanian emigrants generally express positive attitudes towards the Lithuanian language and the vast majority made additional efforts to maintain this home language during the emigration period in Norway. The family language declared by the most informants is Lithuanian, but Norwegian word inserts in the Lithuanian language are common to almost all the families, even after returning to Lithuania. Children of emigrants who return from Norway face difficulties with the Lithuanian language, despite the fact that most of them were additionally taught this language in emigration. However, children not only have to work additionally with the Lithuanian language skills in order to be able to study together with their Lithuanian peers, but they also have to adapt to the new education system. Several cons mentioned by informants about the Lithuanian education system, are bullying, teachers’ apathy and complicated lesson content. The Norwegian language, which was of the great importance in emigration, was quickly forgotten by the children when they returned to Lithuania. Parents do not make additional efforts to maintain Norwegian, although many of them expresses desire to do that. However, some of the informants use the Norwegian language skills while working in Lithuania. |
