LANGUAGE BROKERING: ‘EXPLORING PARENT-CHILD RELATIONSHIP IN CHINESE FAMILIES’

Abstract

<p>This thesis presents the research findings related to language brokering in Chinese immigrant families. Applying an interpretive theoretical framework, this study sought to capture the participants’ reality. This research was accomplished by interviewing four Chinese immigrant youth whose age ranged from 16 to 21 years. Three of the participants were female and one participant was male. The findings suggest Chinese immigrant youths perceive language brokering as an overall positive experience, yet it sometimes can bring forth negative emotions. In terms of the impact on the participants’ relationship with their parents, language brokering can also produce a more intimate relationship with parents because of its inherent emphasis on communication between the parents and their children. Nevertheless, one more effect emerging from the data was that in other situations the language brokers displayed a loss of respect for their parents. As language brokering is related to the mental health of immigrant youth and the healthy adjustment of the immigrant family to the country, social workers are expected to shed light on issues of language brokering practice in Chinese immigrant families. Accordingly, policy makers may be required to expand initiatives for programs that support Chinese immigrant youth.</p>