Book Review

[Harold F. Schiffman]

Forwarded from LINGUIST List 13.1235 Fri May 3 2002


Title: Invisible Work

Subtitle: Bilingualism, language choice and childrearing in intermarried
families Series Title: IMPACT, Studies in Language and Society, 12

Publication Year: 2002 Publisher: John Benjamins

Book URL: http://www.benjamins.com/cgi-bin/t_bookview.cgi?bookid=Impact_12

Author: Toshie  Okita

Abstract:

John Benjamins Publishing would like to announce the publication of the
following title in the field of Bilingualism: Invisible Work:
Bilingualism, language choice and childrearing in intermarried families by
Toshie Okita, University of Cambridge

There is growing recognition that "context" is important for bilingual
language development, but understanding of that context remains
underdeveloped. This innovative study, spanning the fields of
bilingualism, ethnicity and family studies, shows how language use in
intermarried families is deeply intertwined with the experience of
everyday childrearing, in specific socio-historical contexts. This is why,
despite good intentions, expert advice and effort, bilingual-child rearing
often encounters difficulties. Conversely, drawing on in-depth interviews
of twenty eight Japanese mother - British father families in the UK, the
study uses a focus on language issues to portray actual childrearing
dynamics and "situated ethnicity" in intermarried families. Presenting a
vivid picture of the "invisible work" of mothers in these families, and
how they attempt to resolve conflicting pressures and demands over
childrearing, language and education, the author shows the importance of
"recognition" and shared responsibility. This book will interest
researchers, practitioners and parents interested in bilingualism,
ethnically diverse families and multicultural education.



Hardback: ISBN: 90 272 1847 1, Pages: x, 275 pp., Price: EUR 85.00
Comment: Rest of World
Hardback: ISBN: 1 58811 106 7, Pages: x, 275 pp., Price: USD 77.00
Comment: U.S. and Canada