Family language policy and heritage language transmission in Pakistan—the intersection of family dynamics, ethnic identity and cultural practices on language proficiency and maintenance

Heritage languages play a pivotal role in cultural preservation, ethnic identity attachment and intergenerational continuity. The dynamics of heritage language transmission within family settings warrant comprehensive exploration, specifically in Pakistan, a linguistically and ethnically rich yet under-studied region. This mixed-method study employs qualitative semi-structured interviews (<i>n</i> = 7) and quantitative surveys (<i>n</i> = 110) to investigate and explore the role of Family Language Practices (FLPs) and policies, family dynamics, cultural and ethnic attachment and attitudes toward heritage language transmission (HLT). The study assumes the theoretical underpinnings of sociocultural and ethnolinguistic identity theory to guide the analysis-utilizing thematic analysis and descriptive and inferential statistics. Findings reveal that the generational gap impacts heritage language maintenance and proficiency, with older generations prioritizing its use and younger generations learning heavily toward culturally dominant languages instead, reasons including societal pressures, personal preferences and the impact of individual experiences. Code-switching emerges as a significant practice amongst the younger generations but also points toward the dilution of heritage languages. Key enablers of heritage language transmission (HLT) were revealed to include multigenerational household structures, cultural practices and positive familial experiences. Additionally, findings reveal the impact of these factors toward the positive and/or negative perception of bilingualism/multilingualism and the perceived importance of heritage language transmission. Strong correlations between language practices, ethnic identity attachment, and family dynamics suggest that intentional, empathetic engagement in FLP can mitigate the challenges posed by modern pressures. Heritage languages are vital for cultural continuity in Pakistan. Policies and practices at the family and societal levels should focus on fostering positive, inclusive experiences with heritage languages to ensure their intergenerational transmission.