Background of the Study
Parental language planning refers to the deliberate efforts by parents to regulate and promote language use within the home. In Igbo communities, such planning plays a crucial role in shaping bilingual education. Parents often make decisions about which language to use in specific contexts—balancing Igbo and English—to ensure that children develop proficiency in both. This strategic planning includes activities like storytelling, religious instruction, and cultural practices that reinforce Igbo identity while also fostering academic success in English (Okafor, 2023). Effective parental language planning can create a stable linguistic environment, which supports cognitive development and language retention. Conversely, inconsistent planning may lead to language imbalance, where one language dominates at the expense of the other. This study examines the effects of parental language planning on bilingual education in Igbo communities, exploring how deliberate language choices in the home impact language proficiency and cultural continuity (Ibekwe, 2024; Eze, 2025).
Statement of the Problem
Many Igbo communities face challenges in achieving balanced bilingual education due to inconsistent parental language planning. Some families inadvertently favor English because of its global status, while others struggle to maintain Igbo fluency, leading to an imbalanced bilingual environment (Okafor, 2023). This inconsistency affects not only language proficiency but also cultural identity and academic performance. The absence of structured guidance for parental language planning further exacerbates these challenges, necessitating an investigation into effective home language strategies. This study aims to address these issues by assessing the role of parental language planning in shaping bilingual outcomes in Igbo communities (Ibekwe, 2024).
Objectives of the Study:
To examine current parental language planning practices.
To assess their impact on bilingual educational outcomes.
To recommend strategies for balanced language development.
Research Questions:
How does parental language planning affect bilingual proficiency in Igbo communities?
What challenges do families face in maintaining balanced language use?
What interventions can support effective parental language planning?
Significance of the Study
This study is significant as it explores the influence of parental language planning on bilingual education in Igbo communities. The insights will help parents, educators, and policymakers develop strategies to ensure balanced bilingual development, thereby preserving cultural heritage and enhancing academic performance (Okafor, 2023; Eze, 2025).
Scope and Limitations of the Study:
The study focuses on Igbo communities and home-based language planning, excluding institutional factors.
Definitions of Terms:
Parental Language Planning: Deliberate strategies used by parents to manage language use at home.
Bilingual Education: Instruction that integrates two languages.
Igbo Communities: Groups primarily speaking Igbo.
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