Family language policy and the design of homescape in transnational families

Building upon previous research on family language policy, this study explores the homescape, pertinent to the Chinese home literacy environment within Chinese transnational families. It categorizes various forms of Chinese literacy homescape and examines parental perspectives and agency in the design, creation, and adaptation of the homescape within their households. The study draws on ethnographic data from four Chinese-speaking families residing in France and Germany. Data includes sound recordings of family interactions, photographs, in-depth interviews and field notes from discussions with family members. Adopting the lens of ethnographic Linguistic Landscape, the study categorizes the Chinese literacy homescape into four sensory modalities: highly visible, semi-visible, soundscape, and digital and interactive. Findings reveal that parents employ highly strategic and agentic approaches when designing the Chinese literacy homescape, demonstrating their keen awareness of the unique characteristics of the Chinese writing system and the specific challenges their children face when learning to read Chinese.