Bilingual Parental Communication and Child Socialization Patterns in Urban Households

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DOI: https://doi.org/10.63345/ijrsml.v13.i8.1

Akshit Kohli
ABESIT Engineering College

Crossings Republik, Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh 201009

akshitkohli69@gmail.com

Abstract

This study critically investigates the multifaceted effects of bilingual parental communication on children’s socialization patterns within urban Indian households, integrating insights from socio-cultural theory, language acquisition research, and identity formation frameworks. Employing a convergent mixed‑methods design, we surveyed 300 families across five major metropolitan centers—Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai, and Kolkata—and conducted in‑depth interviews with 30 parent–child dyads to capture both numerical trends and lived experiences. We specifically measured the frequency and context of regional mother‑tongue versus English usage (through the Parental Language Use Inventory), children’s social competence (via the Social Competence Scale for Children), bicultural identity formation (using an adapted Bicultural Identity Integration Scale), and peer network breadth (through a child‑reported Peer Integration Questionnaire). Quantitative analyses revealed that households practicing balanced bilingualism—where parents deliberately allocate roughly equal time and situational contexts to each language—demonstrate significantly higher empathy scores (r = .42, p < .001), superior conflict‑resolution abilities (r = .35, p < .001), and more inclusive peer networks (r = .38, p < .001), even when controlling for socio‑economic status and parental education. Qualitative themes elucidated how balanced families strategically employ the mother tongue for transmitting cultural narratives and emotional closeness, while leveraging English for analytical discussions and future‑oriented dialogues. Conversely, English‑dominant homes foster global orientation and academic confidence but exhibit weaker intergenerational bonds, whereas regional‑dominant homes reinforce strong cultural identity yet show more limited cross‑linguistic peer engagement. The integrative evidence underscores that deliberate, context‑sensitive bilingual practices can reconcile competing socialization goals—cultural rootedness and global adaptability—thereby fostering well‑rounded social competencies in children. These findings have immediate implications for urban Indian parents, educators, and policymakers aiming to optimize bilingual environments to support children’s holistic socio‑emotional development and bicultural identity integration.

Keywords

Bilingualism; parental communication; child socialization; urban households; India

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