Chinese Migrant Parents and Complementary Schooling in Germany: A Sociolinguistic Ethnography

The study explores the social relationships among Chinese parents at a Chinese Mandarin language school in Germany, using an ethnographic approach to capture a vivid picture of parental interactions in and outside the school setting. It highlights the importance of social interactions and their relation to socioeconomic backgrounds and individual migrant trajectories.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 244 pages
Publication date: 08 August 2022
Publisher: Verlag Barbara Budrich

The study delves into the intricate web of social relationships among diverse groups of Chinese parents at a Chinese Mandarin language school situated in a bustling metropolitan city in Germany. Employing an ethnographic approach, it paints a vivid portrait of the parental social interactions both within and outside the confines of the Chinese school environment. Through its comprehensive analysis, the study unveils the profound significance of social interactions, exploring its relationship with the parents' socioeconomic backgrounds and individual migrant trajectories.

The study begins by examining the diverse backgrounds of the parents, including their educational levels, employment statuses, and migration experiences. It sheds light on the various challenges and opportunities that these backgrounds bring to the parenting dynamics within the school community. For instance, parents with higher educational levels may have more knowledge and resources to support their children's academic pursuits, while those with limited education may face greater barriers in accessing educational resources.

Furthermore, the study explores the individual migrant trajectories of the parents, tracing their journeys from their home countries to Germany and the impact that these experiences have on their parenting practices. It examines the factors that influence their decision-making processes, such as cultural differences, language barriers, and social integration challenges. The study also considers the role that social networks and community organizations play in supporting and connecting Chinese parents, providing them with a sense of belonging and fostering collaboration.

Within the school setting, the study observes the various social interactions between parents, including parent-teacher conferences, school events, and extracurricular activities. It analyzes the language used, the communication styles, and the social norms that govern these interactions. It identifies the factors that contribute to positive and negative social interactions, such as cultural differences, language barriers, and conflicting parenting styles.

The study also examines the value that Chinese parents attach to their social interactions with other parents. It explores the importance of networking, building relationships, and seeking support from the broader school community. It discusses the role that social interactions play in shaping the parents' sense of identity, self-esteem, and well-being.

Finally, the study explores the relationship between the degree of cooperation among parents and their social status. It examines the factors that influence parent-to-parent collaboration, such as cultural values, social norms, and individual attitudes. It discusses the potential benefits of collaboration, such as shared resources, knowledge exchange, and support for children's academic and social development.

In conclusion, the study provides a rich and nuanced understanding of the social relationships among Chinese parents at a Chinese Mandarin language school in Germany. It sheds light on the significance of social interactions, their relationship with socioeconomic backgrounds and individual migrant trajectories, and the value that parents attach to their interactions with other parents. The findings have important implications for policymakers, educators, and community organizations working to support and promote positive social interactions among Chinese parents.

Dimension: 21 x 15 x 2 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783966650502