ABSTRACT
This book contributes to the understanding of first-language loss in both immigrant and indigenous communities in (at least) three ways. First, it provides insight into the process of language loss and the factors contributing to it. Second, it attempts to define, from an insider perspective, what it means to "lose" a language. Third, it analyzes the perceived consequences of first language loss in terms of social, academic, emotional, and economic factors--an approach previously lacking in research on language loss.
Most studies of first language loss are impersonal, even when they tell emotional stories. This polyphonic book about language loss and imperfect learning of heritage languages tells the inside story. Easy to read and yet academic, it gives voice to five different storytellers who relate the histories of their first language loss and analyzes themes from 21 life-history case studies of adults who had lost their first languages while learning English. The stories in this book make a compelling argument that heritage languages should be preserved, that ESL should be about developing bilinguals not English monolinguals.
Important reading for researchers, practitioners, and graduate students in ESL and bilingual education, multicultural education, cultural studies, and sociology, this book will also interest qualitative researchers as an example of a unique form of both doing and writing research.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
part |24 pages
Introduction
part |24 pages
On What Pretext?
chapter |18 pages
A Pre/Text for Language Loss Research
part |122 pages
Face-Touching: A Story Book
part |122 pages
A Musical Interlude 1
chapter |12 pages
Ariana: Introduction
chapter |8 pages
Arianas Story: But I'm Canadian Born
chapter |12 pages
Richard: Introduction
chapter |12 pages
Richard's Story: English is a Full-Time Job
chapter |12 pages
Lara: Introduction
chapter |10 pages
Lara's Story: an Outsider Looking In
chapter |14 pages
Brian: Introduction
chapter |8 pages
Brian's Story: Nothing too Deep
chapter |16 pages
Helena: Introduction
chapter |12 pages
Helenas Story: Learning the Rules
part |70 pages
Dwelling in the Borderlands
part |60 pages
Borders
chapter |16 pages
Dwelling in the Borderlands: Introduction
chapter |8 pages
Family Relationships
chapter |10 pages
Self-Image and Cultural Identity
chapter |8 pages
School Relationships
chapter |6 pages
School Performance
chapter |6 pages
The Meaning of Loss
part |10 pages
Discordance