Invisible work : bilingualism, language choice, and childrearing in intermarried families / Toshie Okita.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Okita, Toshie.

Series:

Impact, studies in language and society ; 12.

Impact, studies in language and society, 1385-7908 ; 12

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Bilingualism--Great Britain.

Bilingualism.

Japanese--Great Britain--Languages.

Japanese.

Child rearing--Great Britain.

Child rearing.

Physical Description:

1 online resource (285 p.)

Edition:

1st ed.

Place of Publication:

Amsterdam ; Philadelphia : Benjamins Pub. Co., c2002.

Language Note:

English

Summary:

There is growing recognition that 'context' is important for bilingual language development, but understanding of that context remains underdeveloped. This innovative study, spanning the fields of bilingualism, ethnicity and family studies, shows how language use in intermarried families is deeply intertwined with the experience of everyday childrearing, in specific socio-historical contexts. This is why, despite good intentions, expert advice and effort, bilingual-child rearing often encounters difficulties. Conversely, drawing on in-depth interviews of twenty eight Japanese mother - British father families in the UK, the study uses a focus on language issues to portray actual childrearing dynamics and 'situated ethnicity' in intermarried families. Presenting a vivid picture of the 'invisible work' of mothers in these families, and how they attempt to resolve conflicting pressures and demands over childrearing, language and education, the author shows the importance of 'recognition' and shared responsibility. This book will interest researchers, practitioners and parents interested in bilingualism, ethnically diverse families and multicultural education.

Contents:

InvisibleWork

Editorial page

Title page

LCC data

Table of contents

List of figures and tables

Acknowledgements

Chapter 1: Introduction

Chapter 2: Developing a conceptual framework

Chapter 3: Research methods

Chapter 4: Japanese-British families in the UK

Chapter 5: Initial language decision

Chapter 6: Getting on

Chapter 7: Childrearing

Chapter 8: Going to school

Chapter 9: Family relationships, identity and ethnicity

Chapter 10: Concluding discussion

Bibliography

Appendix 1

Appendix 2

Appendix 3

Index

IMPACT: Studies in Language and Society.

Notes:

Bibliographic Level Mode of Issuance: Monograph

Includes bibliographical references (p. [235]-250) and index.

ISBN:

9786612162084

9781282162082

128216208X

9789027297655

9027297657

OCLC:

666940094