Understanding Family Language Policies in Saudi Sojourning Families: insights from Mothers in Melbourne.

Abstract

This study investigates how ten Saudi sojourning mothers in Melbourne manage Family Language Policy (FLP) decisions regarding their children's language development. Unlike immigrants, who aim for long-term integration, sojourners live abroad temporarily, planning to return to their home country. Much research has been conducted on immigrants; however, few studies have focused on sojourners, particularly Saudi sojourning mothers. Therefore, they are the focus of this study. Using a qualitative approach, including semi-structured interviews, the study finds that all mothers prioritize maintaining Arabic for religious, cultural, and educational reasons. The research reveals the significant influence of external societal pressures and internal family dynamics on FLP choices, leading to a gap between the mothers' declared language ideologies and their actual practices. Despite these challenges, the mothers show a strong commitment to preserving their children's first language (L1) through consistent strategies. A key finding is the positive impact of fathers' active involvement in language education, which not only enhances language acquisition but also strengthens family unity and authority. The study highlights the complexities of FLP in transnational families and offers valuable insights into how parental roles and external factors shape language policies.