In this dissertation, we looked into the language practices and language-related representations (or labels) of parents from different (linguistic) backgrounds in multilingual Brussels. Applying a social rather than linguistic approach to bilingualism, we conducted semi-directed interviews and collected spoken data from five couples, which were analyzed through a critical discourse analytic approach. The main aims of the study were threefold: (1) to investigate how the parents themselves relate to a number of common sociolinguistic labels used in policymaking, research and general discourse on language and identity in Brussels; (2) to look into the language practices these parents engage in and the ways in which these practices resonate with the labels used; (3) to examine whether and how having a child in Dutch-medium education in Brussels both informs these parents’ language practices and the way they describe themselves.
- sociolinguistics
- qualitative research
- Brussels
- education
- parents
Language labels, language practices: a multiple case study of parents with children enrolled in Dutch-medium education in Brussels
Van Mensel, L. (Author). 24 Jan 2014
Student thesis: Doc types › Doctor of Languages, Letters and Translation