The ecology of heritage language maintenance in the Polish community in Galicia: an ecolinguistic study

Abstract

[Abstract] Despite the popularity of Spain as a migration destination for Poles, research on heritage language (HL) maintenance in the Polish diaspora in this country remains scarce. This study explores motives and methods for maintaining Polish in multilingual families in Galicia, Spain, where at least one parent speaks Polish as their first language. Adopting an ecological perspective, we examine the linguistic environment, including Galicia's language policy where Spanish and Galician are official languages, and family-related influences. The study focuses on the holistic socialisation of children in their HL, emphasising the role of the Polish community and institutions. A qualitative triangulation method gathers data from focus groups, individual interviews, and ethnographic investigations, analysed through Bronfenbrenner’s Ecological Systems Theory, to ensure a comprehensive understanding of the circumstances under study. Findings reveal that children’s acquisition of Polish depends on various factors, including parental efforts to motivate and create meaningful interactions. This can be achieved by longer visits to Poland and building true bonds with extended family and Polish friends. Attendance at community schools significantly supports this process, especially in the case of children before puberty, highlighting the importance of recognising such organisations as powerful stakeholders in heritage language maintenance.