BRIDGING GENERATIONS: PARENTAL AND CHILD VIEWS ON MULTILINGUALISM IN PAKISTAN

Аннотация

Multilingualism is a defining feature of Pakistan’s linguistic landscape, with numerous languages spoken across regions and communities. However, attitudes toward multilingualism can vary significantly between generations, particularly between parents and children. This study explores the views of parents and children in Pakistan regarding the advantages, challenges, and social implications of multilingualism. Through a combination of surveys and interviews, the study investigates how language preferences and attitudes differ between these two groups. Findings suggest that while parents generally view multilingualism as a valuable asset for cultural preservation and economic opportunity, children exhibit a more complex relationship with multilingualism, influenced by peer interactions, education, and the desire for social mobility. The study highlights the generational gap in perceptions of language use, showing that parents are more inclined to support multilingualism as a cultural heritage, while children focus on the practical and global advantages of language proficiency. This research underscores the need for educational policies and community initiatives that bridge these generational divides and promote the benefits of multilingualism in a globalized world. KEYWORDS Multilingualism, Parental Attitudes, Child Attitudes, Language Preferences, Language Education, Generational Differences, Pakistan, Language Policy, Cultural Heritage, Social Mobility.