Heritage language maintenance through digital tools in young Macedonian children - an exploratory study. Issue 4 (2nd October 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Guskaroska, Agata; Elliott, Thomas
• Is Part Of: Diaspora, indigenous and minority education. Volume 16:Issue 4(2022)
• Page Start: 227
• Page End: 233
• Publication Date: 2022-10-02
• Subjects: Diaspora -- digital tools -- heritage language -- language maintenance -- technology; Minorities -- Education -- Periodicals; Immigrants -- Education -- Periodicals; 370.116
• DOI: 10.1080/15595692.2021.1907329
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1559-5692

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Heritage language maintenance can be very challenging for diaspora communities worldwide. The role of technology on heritage language maintenance has recently started to spark the interest of researchers as a new emerging field but it still needs a lot of exploration. This exploratory study aims to provide an insight into Macedonian diaspora parents' experiences with digital tools and heritage language maintenance for younger children using a phenomenological approach. Data collected from 23 participants examined the parents' experience as members of these communities through surveys and follow-up interviews. Results reveal a strong interest in language maintenance, along with challenges such as lack of time and exposure and lack of digital resources for heritage language learning. Participants show a primary interest in using educational apps, emphasizing the need for interactional and engaging resources. Based on these findings, we provide recommendations for developing technology-mediated heritage language maintenance tools.