Translanguaging as Family Language Policy: Exploring Language Practices of an Indonesian Mobile Short-Term Stayer in Australia — The Association Specialists

Translanguaging as Family Language Policy: Exploring Language Practices of an Indonesian Mobile Short-Term Stayer in Australia (20599)

Muhammad Iqwan MIS Sanjani 1
  1. UNSW, Eastlakes, NSW, Australia

Current Family Language Policy (FLP) research primarily explores how languages are used, developed, and influenced by family belief systems, but the examination into family’s language practices rarely considers fluid multilingual practice like translanguaging due to the complexity of family dynamics and contexts. Notably, transnational families who are short-term stayers remain underrepresented in FLP literature. This ethnographic work focuses on the experiences of an Indonesian short-term stayer in Australia in navigating multiple relocations. The research found that rigid linguistic boundaries and language maintenance approaches inadequately capture language policy among serially migrating migrant families. This short-term stayer's realities have led to innovative and fluid language practices, turning each family member into a "translanguaging agent." The research further found that translanguaging is pivotal within this migrant family context, enriching FLP understanding. By incorporating unique mobile short-term stayer narratives, this paper broadens FLP discourse and highlights the role of translanguaging in understanding Family Language Policy diversity.

Keywords: Mobile Short-term Stayer, Family Language Policy, Translanguaging