The Role of Parents\' and Carers\' Attitudes in (Re)Formulating Language Policy(ies) on Bilingual Education

Abstract

Abstract: This article reflects on the role of parents' and carers' attitudes in the (re)formulation of language policies on bilingual education in Maputo province in general and in Manhiça district in particular. Its specific objectives are (i) to identify the role of attitudes in the development of language policies; (ii) to survey the attitudes of parents and guardians when their children are placed in bilingual education classes; (iii) to analyse the attitudes of parents and guardians towards bilingual education. The methodological approach we followed is qualitative-interpretive. In this approach, we focus on the complexity of parents' and carers' perceptions and attitudes as they emerge, without predefining variables to obtain qualitative data. We used interviews and observation of the attitudes shown by parents and carers when approached about integrating their children into bilingual education classes as data collection techniques. The data was analysed using the content analysis method, which is seen as an instrument of communication analysis techniques (Bardin 2011, 1995).