Exploring Family Language Policy: Parental Perspectives in Homshetsma-Speaking Families

Gülay Akın

doi:10.18492/dad.1582700

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Exploring Family Language Policy: Parental Perspectives in Homshetsma-Speaking Families

Abstract

The preservation of heritage languages often relies on family language policies (FLP), shaped by parental attitudes and practices (Fishman, 1991). This study investigates FLP in Homshetsma-speaking families, focusing on the endangered status of the language. Using Spolsky’s (2004) model, in-depth interviews and observations with five bilingual families in Hopa and Kemalpaşa explore FLP in three areas: language ideology, practice, and management. Homshetsma is widely regarded as a symbol of Hemshinli identity, but parental language policies vary. Some parents prioritize maintaining Homshetsma for cultural preservation, while others emphasize Turkish for better education and economic opportunities. Language practices also differ: some families actively use Homshetsma, while others are less committed to passing it down. Limited educational resources further complicate language management. The study's findings offer important insights for practitioners, policymakers, and researchers, emphasizing the necessity for targeted interventions and resources to support endangered languages like Homshetsma, both in Turkey and worldwide.

Keywords

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Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

Sociolinguistics

Journal Section

Research Article

Authors

Gülay Akın ^*
0000-0001-6272-423X
Türkiye

Publication Date

January 27, 2026

Submission Date

November 10, 2024

Acceptance Date

September 16, 2025

Published in Issue

Year 1970 Volume: 36 Number: 3 - Türkiye'de Tehlikedeki Diller Özel Sayısı (Konuk Editörler: Mehmet Akkuş, Çiğdem Sağın Şimşek) / Special Issue - Endangered Languages in Turkey (Guest Editors: Mehmet Akkuş, Çiğdem Sağın Şimşek)

DOI

https://doi.org/10.18492/dad.1582700

IZ

https://izlik.org/JA45BL22BK

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APA

Akın, G. (2026). Exploring Family Language Policy: Parental Perspectives in Homshetsma-Speaking Families. Dilbilim Araştırmaları Dergisi, 36(3 - Türkiye’de Tehlikedeki Diller Özel Sayısı (Konuk Editörler: Mehmet Akkuş, Çiğdem Sağın Şimşek) / Special Issue - Endangered Languages in Turkey (Guest Editors: Mehmet Akkuş, Çiğdem Sağın Şimşek), 293-319. https://doi.org/10.18492/dad.1582700

Exploring Family Language Policy: Parental Perspectives in Homshetsma-Speaking Families

Exploring Family Language Policy: Parental Perspectives in Homshetsma-Speaking Families

Abstract

Keywords

Aile Dili Politikasının Araştırılması: Hemşince Konuşan Ailelerde Ebeveyn Görüşleri

Öz

Anahtar Kelimeler

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