Sino-Canadian parents' perceptions of their children's Chinese literacy development

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Date
2004Author
Wang, Danqing
Subject
Chinese Canadian children (Ontario, Northwestern)Language attrition
Language, literacy and culture
First and second language acquisition
Home environment and literacy development
Metadata
Show full item recordAbstract
This qualitative study was conducted in a Northwestern Ontario urban community where
the population of Sino-Canadian people is approximately 300 members. The purpose of
the study was to describe Sino-Canadian parents’ perceptions of Chinese language
maintenance, factors which influence their children’s Chinese literacy development, and
the strategies they used to maintain their children’s family literacy. Data were collected
from interviews with six Chinese parents who had school aged children. Three themes
emerged from the analysis of the data: general perceptions of language maintenance,
family literacy practices, and concerns and issues. The children, parents, and the literacy
and language environment of children all play an important role in achieving Chinese
language maintenance. Family literacy is a vehicle for promoting Chinese language and
culture.