China's linguistic diversity is characterized by large diversity, featuring seven major dialect groups that are not mutually intelligible, each containing numerous subdialects. This complexity has led to the establishment of Standard Mandarin Chinese (SMC) as the official lingua franca to prevent communication challenges. The establishment of SMC, led to diglossia—using different dialects based on the context and setting. Furthermore, recent studies indicate a shift away from diglossia towards a dominant use of SMC, particularly among the younger generation, influenced by factors such as urbanization, migration, and language policies. This study explores language attitudes and family language practices focusing on SMC and the Xiang dialect, a lesser-studied dialect spoken in Hunan. The study examined two groups that conform to the diglossia of speaking Xiang and SMC, one permanently residing in Sweden and the other in Hunan. The study aimed to identify differences or similarities in their instrumental and integrative language attitudes and to determine how these attitudes influence language choice in a family setting. A qualitative approach was applied, using semi-structured interviews. The findings indicate that the group in Sweden holds weak instrumental attitudes towards the Xiang dialect, perceiving it as offering no practical benefits within the local Chinese community in Sweden. However, the respondents hold integrative attitudes, associating the dialect with a sense of local identity and pride. In contrast, participants in Hunan show a stronger connection to the Xiang dialect, expressing deeper integrative attitudes. Both groups, however, expressed strong instrumental attitudes towards SMC, valuing it for its educational and career benefits and its wide usage. In terms of family language practices, both groups generally choose SMC while speaking to their children, driven mainly by the practical advantages that SMC provides. / 中国的语言具有多样性的特点,当中包含七大主要方言群,这些方言群之间往往不具有相互理解性,每个方言群下还包含许多子方言。这种复杂性导致了普通话(SMC)作为官方通用语的确立,以防止沟通上的困难。普通话的确立导致了语言的双重使用现象——根据不同的语境和环境使用不同的方言。此外,最近的研究表明,尤其是在年轻一代中,从双语使用的情况改变以普通话为主导,这种变化是受到城市化、迁移和语言政策等因素的影响。 本研究探讨了普通话和一种较少研究的方言——湖南湘方言的语言态度和家庭语言实践。研究检视了两个群体,这两个群体都遵循使用湘方言和普通话的双语模式,其中一个群体常驻瑞典,另一个常驻湖南。本研究旨在识别他们在工具性和整合性语言态度上的差异或相似之处,以及这些态度如何影响在家庭环境中的语言选择。本研究采用了定性方法,使用半结构化访谈来收集资料。 研究发现,瑞典的群体对湘方言持有较弱的工具性态度,认为在瑞典的本地华人社区中,湘方言没有实际的用处。不过,受访者对湘方言持有整合性态度,将该方言与地方身份和自豪感联系起来。相比之下,湖南的参与者对湘方言有更强烈的联系,表现出更深的整合性态度。然而,两个群体都对普通话表达了强烈的工具性态度,重视其在教育和职业上的好处及其广泛的使用性。 在家庭语言实践方面,两个群体一般在与孩子交流时选择使用普通话,主要是由于普通话能给孩子提供的实际优势。
Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:UPSALLA1/oai:DiVA.org:du-48727 |
Date | January 2024 |
Creators | Bengtsson, Mikael |
Publisher | Högskolan Dalarna, Institutionen för språk, litteratur och lärande |
Source Sets | DiVA Archive at Upsalla University |
Language | English |
Detected Language | English |
Type | Student thesis, info:eu-repo/semantics/bachelorThesis, text |
Format | application/pdf |
Rights | info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess |
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