FROM HERITAGE TO HYBRID: THE USE OF THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE AMONG ELEMENTARY SCHOOL CHILDREN IN TETOVO
Lindita SKENDERI, Agnesa REXHEPI
Abstract
This study aims to understand how elementary school children aged 6-10 see and perceive the English language. The aim is to see how English impacts their everyday life, through school, media and online platforms, which play a significant role in the sense of identity of younger generations. The data were collected through an online survey that was sent to parents, in order to obtain consent from them regarding their child’s participation in this survey. There were 10 easy questions that helped the kids understand and be able to give honest answers naturally. The results showed that the majority of the children have a highly positive approach to English language, and use it in different situations, at school, at home and online.
A good part of them also combine their mother tongue with English, which leads them to a hybrid language identity. They see English as entertaining, which gives them a special feeling, especially being able to communicate differently from their parents. The aim of the paper is to show how the use of English among little children represents the movement from a traditional to a hybrid identity, where English language does not replace Albanian, but it coexists with it.
Pages: 209 - 214