Language maintenance and shift: case study of Ukrainian in Saskatchewan
Date
2012-06-13
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
ORCID
Type
Degree Level
Masters
Abstract
This study was aimed at examining possible correlations between socio-cultural and demographic factors and Ukrainian language maintenance in the province of Saskatchewan. Total number of 82 respondents with Ukrainian ancestry participated in this research. One issue explored was whether subjects representing demographic groups split by gender, age, highest level of education obtained, occupation, generation of immigration and ethnic identity have language proficiency and language use patterns significantly different from those of other groups. Also, the change of language use in a family from generation to generation was studied. Furthermore, language attitudes of participants towards Ukrainian language and its preservation were ascertained and correlated with demographic factors.
It was found that certain socio-cultural factors correlate with frequency of Ukrainian language use and its proficiency. Moreover, rather positive attitudes towards Ukrainian language and its retention were reported; many of them correlated with demographic factors. Some characteristic patterns in language use in the family split by generation of immigration were found.
Description
Keywords
minority language maintenance, language shift, ethnolinguistic vitality, language attitudes, Ukrainian language in Canada
Citation
Degree
Master of Arts (M.A.)
Department
Languages and Linguistics
Program
Linguistics