Language Policy of Indonesian immigrant households living in the Midwest United States

• In Event: AERA Research in Progress Roundtable Session One
  In Invited Roundtable: Research-in-Progress RT056 (Wednesday)

Abstract

This study explores how Indonesian immigrant families in a Midwestern U.S. city negotiate Family Language Policy (FLP) to maintain their heritage languages amid English dominance. Grounded in Spolsky’s (2004) model of language ideologies, practices, and management, the qualitative case study draws on interviews, observations, and document analysis to understand multilingual practices in domestic and community settings. Preliminary findings suggest flexible, identity-driven language policies shaped by both internal family dynamics and external societal forces. By centering an underrepresented ethnolinguistic group in the U.S.-based FLP research, this study contributes to conversations on language equity, immigrant identity, and culturally responsive educational support. Findings aim to inform teachers and policymakers about inclusive strategies to reinforce heritage language development in immigrant families.

Author

• Prawita Simanjuntak, Michigan State University