Origins, languages and motivations of parents who prefer the use of Catalan as the language of instruction in Northern Catalonia

Abstract

This study explores the parents of students enrolled in bilingual French-Catalan schools in which both languages are equally used and their preferences for Catalan immersion in Northern Catalonia. The methodological options are presented ethnographically, by means of questionnaires, as this provides more complete information on the origins of the parents and the languages they speak, as well as the reasons for their desire for instruction in Catalan.

Key words: Northern Catalonia, primary school, balanced bilingual program, immersion, origins, languages, parents, motivations, plurilingualism.