'Right an turn agadsa': The reflexivity between language socialisation and child agency in exploring 'success' in FLP. (September 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Smith-Christmas, Cassie
• Is Part Of: Language & communication. Volume 86(2022)
• Page Start: 119
• Page End: 128
• Publication Date: 2022-09
• Subjects: Reflexivity -- Child language socialisation -- Child agency -- Scottish Gaelic -- Language shift and maintenance -- Family Language Policy; Communication -- Periodicals; Linguistics -- Periodicals; Communication -- Periodicals; Linguistics -- Periodicals; Communication -- Périodiques; Linguistique -- Périodiques; Communication; Linguistics; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 405
• DOI: 10.1016/j.langcom.2022.06.004
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0271-5309

Abstract

Abstract: The article explores the mutual relationship—or reflexivity— between language socialisation and child agency. It discusses two respective models developed to: (a) better theorise successful language acquisition in a 'Family Language Policy' context (b) conceptualise how children construct their agency through language. These models are implemented in analysing interactions in a family in which the mother is making concerted efforts to transmit the autochthonous minority language Scottish Gaelic to her children. It shows how although initially her attempts in fostering her son Billy's Gaelic linguistic development appear to be 'unsuccessful, ' later in the interaction, Billy actively uses Gaelic in playing a card game, evidencing his linguistic competency and his embedded knowledge of the power of language in achieving certain interactional functions. Highlights: Analyses the reflexivity between child language socialisation and child agency. Discusses a model which enables deeper theorisation of what 'successful' intergenerational language transmission means. Discusses another model which offers insight into how children construct their agency through language. Focuses on interactions involving the autochthonous minority language Scottish Gaelic.