Florida Atlantic Undergraduate Research Journal
Article Title
Learning About Gujarati: Cultural Identity and Family Language
Abstract
Language loss is a prevalent problem that is occurring in immigrant families in the United States. Since regional languages such as Gujarati are not used outside of households and community gatherings, it is not given much importance to learn. In order to combat this problem, community centers hold Gujarati classes for students of all ages to help preserve the language, but the lack of motivation to learn the language still remains. This is because a student needs to have a connection to the language to be motivated to learn it, which can be made through active learning. This study examines the engaging features of a Gujarati class by identifying characteristics of active learning. Data sources include class observations, journaling and photo elicitation.