L1 literacy amongst generation 1b: a study of an Australian Afrikaans speaking community

Abstract

Numerous studies have reported on the loss of LI literacy skills amongst second and third generation immigrants but few have investigated the maintenance of LI literacy skills amongst Generation lb, individuals who were born overseas but moved to their new community in the early years of life. This study considers the literacy skills of Generation lb South African immigrants to Australia, attitudes towards their LI literacy maintenance, and language use in electronic media. Four findings emerge from the study: there is a general decline in LI proficiency amongst Generation lb; this decline is most noticeable in the areas of LI literacy, family attitudes have relatively little importance in the decline in proficiency levels and LI literacy is related to language use in electronic media. The findings also point to attitudinal differences towards LI literacy by mothers and fathers and suggest electronic communication as a useful means of promoting literacy amongst Generation lb.