Language use, choice, maintenance, and ethnolinguistic vitality of Turkish speakers in France: intergenerational differences

International audienceThis paper presents the findings of research investigating first language maintenance and shift of Turkish speakers in France and the role of subjective ethnolinguistic vitality perceptions in that process. It examines the relationship between societalfactors and individuals' perception of the language contact situation as reflected in their speech behavior. The theoretical framework of the study is based on Giles et al.'s (1977) ethnolinguistic vitality theory. In fine with the mode/, a subjective ethnolinguistic vitality questionnaire, a language use-choice questionnaire, and a self-rating scale have been applied to 111 second-generation and 64 first-generation informants. The findings indicate intergenerational differences among Turkish immigrants with respect to ethnolinguistic vitality of the in- and out-groups, Turkish and French language use. Second-generation informants have more positive attitudes towards Turkish and also have higher vitality ratings for the in-group than the first-generation immigrants