It starts at home: Home language and literacy practices in Jamaica

This study explores the nature of home language and literacy environments (HLLEs) among primary school learners in Jamaica, contributing to the limited body of Caribbean-based research in this area. Grounded in ecological systems theory, the study considers how multiple contextual factors in the home interact to shape children’s literacy development. Data were collected from 114 caregivers who completed an HLLE questionnaire. Findings indicate generally low levels of print engagement and limited participation in formal literacy activities (practices known to support reading and writing), with many caregivers placing greater responsibility on teachers. Jamaican Creole was more frequently used in many homes than English, potentially influencing children’s transition from conversational fluency to academic language proficiency in school. At the same time, community religious programs also emerged as important spaces for supplemental literacy engagement. The study underscores the need for culturally responsive approaches and tools in literacy research that reflect the broader sociocultural realities shaping language and literacy development in the Caribbean.