Family language policy in an endangered heritage language context: Gagauz mothers’ perspectives

Abstract

ABSTRACT This paper investigates family language policy reported by Gagauz migrant mothers using a qualitative approach. The Gagauz language, the native language of the participants, is one of the languages which is at risk. Data were collected from 14 Gagauz mothers who were living in Turkey. Semi-structured interviews were held with the participants to examine family language practices, beliefs and management strategies. Although language beliefs about family language policy differ from each other, generally Gagauz mothers expect their children to speak Russian due to its status as a lingua franca in trade, education and employment in the post-Soviet context. Moreover, it was found that the Gagauz mothers employed a wide range of family language practices. Majority of participants reported that they spoke mainly Russian whereas others stated that they preferred Turkish at home. As for language management strategies, the lack of educational and audiovisual materials in the Gagauz language affected the Gagauz mothers’ family language management strategies in a negative way. Additionally, the Gagauz language has a symbolic function which is considered a part of Gagauz identity. The findings also revealed insights about Gagauz language maintenance and a shift in heritage context.