Initiatives to promote the intergenerational transmission of basque: the case of workshops for parents

Abstract

ABSTRACT In the European context, some revitalisation movements have seen the widespread adoption of minority language schooling among parents who do not speak the minority language. This research discusses the role of the ‘school for fathers and mothers’ or talleres (workshops) to encourage a more Basque-focused household among parents who have low proficiency in Basque. The talleres translate knowledge from the field of language socialisation into messages that orient these parents on how to foster positive attitudes towards Basque within the family. Focusing on an analysis of the workshops’ messages, specifically the techniques of consciousness raising employed by the programme, this research discusses the role of these programmes in catalysing new attitudes and new conceptualisations of a pro-minority Family Language Policy in the context of low-to-no proficiency speakers. They do so by underscoring the role of ‘cultural transmission’ and encouraging low-proficiency parents to see themselves as attitudinal referents through their use of affective linguistic repertoires in Basque. Finally, I discuss the case of the talleres as an example of how the fields of Family Language Policy and Language Socialisation can play an important role in grassroots initiatives by translating research findings into practical information for parents.