Chinese written language in Hawai'i: The linguistic, social and cultural significance for immigrant families [microform]
- Bib ID:
- 3283508
- Format:
- Book and Microform
- Author:
- Scott, Amanda
- Description:
- 286 p.
- Summary:
-
Much of the data in this study derived from an ethnographic investigation of the place of literacy in the lives of four Chinese families living in Hawai'i. All of the family members except two of the children were first generation immigrants. In each family Mandarin Chinese was the usual language spoken at home. The study showed that written Chinese constituted an important channel of communication and avenue of contact with the outside world. It played an important part in the personal, social and intellectual life of family members who were proficient in writing and/or reading Chinese. In general it was seen as a practical tool which was used in everyday life for a wide variety of purposes depending on the individual family member's personal preferences and role in the family and wider social context. In addition, the nature and history of written Chinese was seen to have certain specific effects on how it was used and regarded in the study families.
Since the families live in Hawai'i, where the dominant language is English, the role of written English in their lives was also considered. It was clear that the children in the study families used written Chinese for fewer purposes as their proficiency in written English increased. This was seen as evidence of language shift. On the other hand, the fact that Chinese has an accepted written standard was seen to assist language maintenance in general. However, there was little indication that the often stated link between written Chinese and Chinese history and civilization was a factor in the promotion of Chinese language by the parents in the families in this study. While focusing on written Chinese, the study adds to the knowledge and understanding of the roles of reading and writing in general.
It shows the interrelationship between written and oral channels of communication, indicates numerous differences between reading and writing in terms of patterns of acquisition and use, and emphasizes the overall importance of written language in the linguistic repertoire of educated individuals living in a literate oriented society.
- Notes:
-
- (UnM)AAI9519472
- Source: Dissertation Abstracts International, Volume: 56-02, Section: A, page: 0536.
- Chairperson: Donald Topping.
- Thesis (Ph.D.)--University of Hawai'i, 1994.
- Reproduction:
- Microfiche. Ann Arbor, Mich.: University Microfilms International.
- Subject:
- Other authors/contributors:
- University of Hawai'i
- Copyright:
-
In Copyright
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Copyright status was determined using the following information:
- Material type:
- Literary Dramatic Musical
- Published status:
- Unpublished
- Creation date:
- 1994
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