‘I study long, long time in my language, so I never forget it’: reading and first language maintenance

Abstract

This article will examine first-language (L1) maintenance among adult learners attending English classes at a tertiary institution in New Zealand. The sample consisted of refugee background students enrolled in a Training Opportunities Program aimed at developing literacy and numeracy skills as well as preparation for civic involvement. The data emanated from a qualitative study which not only yielded information on students’ reading habits in English but also in other languages, including their L1. Findings from the current study address L1 fluency in L2 settings, particularly as related to the availability of L1 reading material, home environment, and digital media.

Keywords:

• refugee background English language learners
• L1 attrition
• L1 maintenance
• language of recipient society^®
• intergenerational language loss
• attitude to L1

Additional information

Funding

Funding. This work was supported by the Auckland University of Technology [grant number AX11/01].