The Continuity of Northern Pinghua: Investigating Intergenerational Heritage Language Transmission in China
List of Authors
Chiow Thai Soon, Wenmin Huang
Keyword
Northern Pinghua, Family Language Use, Intergenerational Heritage Language Transmission, Multilingualism in China
Abstract
This study investigates the intergenerational transmission of Northern Pinghua (NP) within the contexts of language policy and planning, language endangerment, and multilingualism in China. Using a survey with closed-ended questions and a four-point Likert scale, the research examines how NP is transmitted across generations in multilingual families. A total of 34 villagers participated in the study. The findings reveal a disruption in intergenerational language transmission, with NP being classified as “threatened” or “vulnerable/endangered.” The study discusses implications for the preservation of NP and offers recommendations for future research.