The Link between Language Beliefs and Family Language Practices among Turkish Parents in the Netherlands

The current study was conducted to understand the language use, choice and preferences of the second-generation Turkish parents in interacting with their third-generation children. Based on a mixed-methods approach first qualitative data was collected from 20 Turkish families, who were observed in and out of their home environments. Each parent was interviewed regarding their language beliefs and practices. After a strict coding of the qualitative data, a survey questionnaire on language use, choice, preference and attitudes was developed. The survey was completed by 288 informants (173 females & 115 males). The results show that all the families tried to maintain Turkish at home to be able to preserve their identity and culture as well as not to lose their contact with Turkey as their symbolic homeland. Mothers turn out to be gatekeepers for ethnic identity development of their children. They decide on the strategies and language activities to be obeyed and followed in the family. Balanced bilingualism is the common trait of most second-generation parents, who consistently raise their third-generation children both in Turkish and Dutch.