Exploring Azerbaijani Speaking Parents’ Linguistic Practices and Ideologies in Ardebil, Iran

Abstract

In this paper, I explore family language policy among Azerbaijani speakers in Ardebil, Iran. Interview sessions were held with families from different socioeconomic backgrounds. The results reveal that different social classes have a strong attachment to their heritage language, Farsi is value-laden, and Azerbaijani is still the dominant language of the families and the society. Yet, family intra-communications does not occur in a vacuum. The “invisible forces” projected on the families by nationwide language policies oblige the families to conform to mainstream education and official language policies. Furthermore, families’ language practices, ideologies, and management strategies work for the upward social movement of the children.