Multilingual Family Language Policies: The Role of Translanguaging in Kazakhstan

This study explores the translanguaging phenomenon, delving into the language repertoire of bilingual and multilingual children in Kazakh families, specifically within the context of family discourse. The primary objective is to investigate the everyday translanguaging practices embedded in family communication. The research is grounded in the theoretical framework of Family Language Policy, as proposed by Spolsky, focusing on key concepts such as language ideology, language management, and language practice, while also exploring the influence of cultural identity, bilingualism, and multilingualism on the language use of children from Kazakh families. This study investigates translanguaging behaviors in family interactions through three components. Language ideology looks at family members' beliefs about language use and how these beliefs shape interactions and language choices. Language management examines family decisions on language use in daily communication, education, and recreation. Language practices explore how translanguaging manifests in these contexts, especially in daily interactions. The research sample consisted of 16 children, ranging from six to fourteen years old, from families linked to Kazakhstan's "Bolashak" international scholarship program, which facilitates higher studies and professional development overseas, emphasizing English proficiency. The results demonstrate that children utilize language in a variety of ways, but parents use their mother tongue to preserve cultural continuity. Children automatically translanguage in family relationships, changing languages according to the situation. By improving knowledge of the variables influencing bilingualism and multilingualism, this study aids researchers in reaching more accurate results. In summary, the study provides a thorough analysis of translanguaging in family discourse.