Latvian language maintenance in Melbourne: a "core value" approach

This paper reports on selected findings from research carried out in 1996, and focuses on the language attitudes and practices of those involved with the Latvian Saturday School in Melbourne. The framework for the analysis is based on Smolicz's "cultural core value" theory. Findings revealed the Latvian language to clearly be the core value amongst participants, thereby supporting findings of previous studies. Language maintenance was found overall to be of lesser importance in reality, based on findings concerning language use practices in participants' homes. Findings suggest that both imagination and sensitivity will be required to ensure the survival of Latvian in the future, given the changing profile of ethnic communities in Australia.