The malaise of preserving a minority language in multilingual homes in southwest China: a family language policy perspective

This study investigated the family language environment of the Miao ethnic group in southwestern China to understand the preservation of the Miao language through the lens of family language policy (FLP). The household members' language ideologies, practices and management were examined. The findings revealed that: (1) Perceptions of Putonghua and the Miao language, shaped by household members' deprived life experiences and connection to ethnic roots respectively, have led to a FLP characterised by differentiated language ideologies with a pro-Putonghua orientation; (2) In alignment with these language ideologies, household members substantially facilitated Putonghua practices while kinship relations still sustained Miao language practices within the family space; (3) While the formation of language ideologies and language practices were congruent to their constitutions as understood via FLP, the drifting management efforts identified could possibly jeopardise good preservation of the home language in question. In particular, this study revealed the potential influence of co-residing extended family members in the process of Miao language shift or maintenance. A comprehensive management approach, mirroring the strategies for Putonghua adoption, was proposed to enhance the preservation of minority languages.