BILINGUALISM IN THE JORDANIAN-RUSSIAN FAMILY RESIDING IN JORDAN AND ITS IMPACT ON COMMUNICATION BETWEEN ITS MEMBERS

Abstract

This research examines bilingualism in Jordanian-Russian families in Jordan, focusing on its impact on family interaction, cultural identity, and everyday communication. Using a qualitative approach that included interviews, participant observation, and language diaries, the study analyzed language use patterns within the family. The results showed that intersentential code-switching was the most common strategy, with children frequently alternating between Arabic and Russian within the same sentence. This strategy aligns with the Equivalence Constraint Theory, which posits that switching occurs at points where the grammatical structures of both languages align. For example, one child reported starting a sentence in Arabic and ending it in Russian due to the deeper meaning certain words convey in each language. Additionally, situational code-switching was observed, as children adjusted their language use based on the context, particularly when accommodating their parents’ varying proficiency levels, reflecting Communication Accommodation Theory. The study also found that bilingualism significantly affects the formation of children’s cultural identity, with some children developing a dual affiliation while others lean toward a single cultural identity. For example, children immersed in Jordanian society and Arabic-dominant settings identified more closely with Jordanian culture, while those with stronger ties to their Russian-speaking mothers and frequent visits to Russia maintained a deeper connection to Russian culture. The research highlights the challenges faced by Russian mothers in maintaining their native language at home and the importance of a supportive environment for bilingualism. It recommends enhancing parents’ understanding of the impact of bilingualism on their children, promoting balanced educational methods for integrated language development, and developing educational resources to support learning Russian alongside Arabic in the Jordanian context.