Language Shift and Social Change: Participatory Action Research in a Pakistani American Community

• In Event: Sheraton Roundtable Session 4
  In Roundtable Session: Examining Languaging Practices in Multilingual Homes and Communities

Abstract

The Pakistani-American community in New York has experienced challenges in accessing and developing home language resources. Sociolinguistic, educational and community mobilization are interconnected processes that serve as a productive space of community engagement and empowerment. (Leeman, Rabin, & Román-Mendoza, 2011). This paper will present preliminary results of a participatory action research project that investigated the multilingual ecology of this Pakistani-American community in order to enact social change. Preliminary findings point to complex plurilingual practices; however, data also suggest rapid home language loss that may underlie family communication problems. This study highlights particular challenges for communities that speak “less commonly taught languages” to access public school spaces. This research can inform initiatives to improve family communications and advocate for bilingual supports.

Authors

• Tasha Lyn Darbes, Pace University

• Romana Sehar Akram, Pace University

• Puja Shah, Pace University