The role of the home and family/caregivers is commonly acknowledged as being central to securing the intergenerational socialisation of minority languages. Research evidence demonstrates that the survival or demise of minority languages crucially depends upon the extent to which the language is passed on from one generation to the next within the…

Reports on a longitudinal study of the acquisition of English-German bilingualism by two Australian-born children who communicated with the father in German and with others in English. The problems of creating and fostering bilingualism under such circumstances is examined. Communication patterns within the family are also discussed. (Author/PJM)