Language Shift and Maintenance in Bilingual Families: A Systematic Literature Review on Current Trends and Underlying Factors

Abstract

In an increasingly interconnected global society, bilingualism has become a widespread phenomenon, especially among migrant and transnational families navigating between heritage languages and dominant societal languages. This study examines current trends and underlying factors influencing language shift and maintenance within bilingual families through a Systematic Literature Review (SLR). Guided by the PRISMA framework, the study analyzes empirical research published between 2014 and 2024 from major databases, including Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. The findings reveal that the family remains the central domain for intergenerational language transmission, where societal pressures intersect with individual agency. A prominent trend is the gradual and often unconscious shift toward majority languages, driven by the dominance of formal education, peer interaction, and digital media. Simultaneously, a counter-trend emerges in the form of increased parental awareness and the intentional application of Family Language Planning (FLP) strategies to preserve heritage languages. The review identifies key influencing factors, including parental language ideologies, institutional pressures, children’s agency, sibling dynamics, and the dual role of digital media. Digital technology acts as both a catalyst for language shift and a resource for maintenance. Language dynamics in bilingual families are complex and require adaptive strategies to sustain linguistic diversity