Language use, choice, maintenance and ethnolinguistic vitality of Turkish speakers in France: Intergenerational differences

This paper presents the findings of research investigating first language maintenance shift of Turkish speakers in France and the role of subjective ethnolinguistic vitality perceptions in that process. It examines the relationship between societal factors and individual's perception of the language contact situation as reflected in their speech behaviour. The findings indicate intergenerational differences among Turkish immigrants with respect to ethnolinguistic vitality of the in- and out-groups, Turkish and French language use. Second-generation informants have more positive attitudes towards Turkish and also have higher vitality ratings for the in-group than the first-generation immigrants.