Family Language Policy, Language Practice, Motivation, and Planning among Israeli Arab Students in Wingate Institute's Preparatory Program

Abstract

Family language policy (FLP) and language use in different domains and relationships was investigated in thirteen Israeli-Arab students enrolled in an institution of higher education in Israel. Participants came from Arabic FLPs, communities, and schools. The study was completed through semi-structured interviews. Our research objectives were to investigate the FLP of the sample and a possible presence of differences in the ideologies concerning their parent-led FLP and their future family's FLP, among other things. Our findings point to a possible change in ideologies toward the instrumentally oriented FLP which incorporates Hebrew language to a greater degree. Further investigations should focus on effects of generational FLP change on identity and related psychological factors.