Education Commons^™

Sociocultural Aspects Of Russian-Speaking Parents' Choice Of Language Of Instruction For Their Children In Estonia, Raija Pini Kemppainen, Scott Ellis Ferrin, Steven J. Hite, Sterling C. Hilton

Faculty Publications

In most cases, parents whose native language is not predominant in the area they live in have no opportunity to choose the language for their children's instruction in schools. However, in some areas language minority families have options regarding the language of instruction (e.g., Finns in Sweden and Russians in Estonia). This article focuses on language choice from the viewpoint of these families. Typically, discussions of language of instruction have focuses on integrative issues, such as creating loyal citizens, or instrumental or practical issues, such as education or labor market opportunities (Mtes 2004). Choice, however, may have deeper cultural and …