Family Language Policy And Home Language Maintenance: Linguistic Choices, Ideologies, And Management Efforts Among Berber Families In Algeria

Abstract

This study investigates dynamics of family language policy among Chaoui and Kabyle families in Algeria. In stark contrast with Language policy research in Algeria focusing on institutional contexts, this study foregrounds language practice, ideology and planning in private and informal contexts. A survey was carried out with Berber parents, who vary on educational, regional and ethnic grounds. The results indicate that Kabyle gains a strong foothold as the dominant home language choice across Kabyle families, as opposed Chaouia and Dariǧa which seem to be favored by the Chaoui families. Dehierarchizing language codes in Algeria reshaped the general perceptions of Berber Parents, who advocate the promotion of linguistic plurality in private and educational spheres. Finally, parents of both ethnic origins plan to avail themselves of the social media and kinship relations to maintain their Berber children’s heritage language. These home policies provide a continuity for the intergenerational transmission of Tamazight across generations.