Family Language Policies in Ghana: A Tentative Study of Two Selected Families
DOI: 10.23951/2307-6119-2026-2-9-17
Family language policy is a rapidly growing area of sociolinguistic research that examines the relationships among language ideologies, language practices, and language management within family units. This study investigates how different socio-economic backgrounds lead to constructing and negotiating family language policies exemplified by a tentative examination of two bilingual families in Ghana. An ethnographic approach was used to collect data selectively. Using a qualitative paradigm and three instruments – a structured observation guide, interviews, and recordings of family conversations – the researchers collected and analyzed data, yielding several findings. The study identifies key differences in language ideologies. The family policy reflecting a lower socio-economic background places strong emphasis on maintaining a group’s ethnic language alongside the official language, while the family policy from a higher socio-economic background prioritizes English over their ethnic language. This divergence is shaped by differences in the socio-economic statuses, educational background, and perceptions of career opportunities associated with language proficiency. The findings show that although the importance of bilingualism is overall recognized, approaches to language maintenance are influenced by broader socio-political and economic structures. Ultimately, the research demonstrates that family language policy is not a static but dynamic process that reflects and responds to external socio-cultural forces. This tentative study offers valuable insights into how socio-economic and educational contexts shape linguistic choices, reinforcing the argument that language ideologies and practices are deeply connected to social and cultural identity and socio-economic status, a conclusion that may be further revised.
Keywords: family language policy, socio-economic status, educational status, Ghana, language maintenance
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Issue: 2, 2026
Series of issue: Issue 2
Rubric: LINGUISTICS
Pages: 9 — 17
Downloads: 356