The role of midwives and health visitors in promoting intergenerational language maintenance in the bilingual setting: perceptions of parents and health professionals

Aims and objectives. The increasing status and regard of indigenous minority languages across Europe, means the advantages of bilingualism for individuals and communities are now well established. We set out to elicit parents’ and health professionals’ views of the role of health visitors and midwives in promoting bilingualism in the family and to consider whether health professionals acknowledge the contribution that bilingualism makes to public health. Background. A three‐year study was completed to measure the impact of a language transmission initiative which depends on the input of midwives and health visitors with new parents and how its effect could be improved. This paper reports on one element of that study. Design. A qualitative approach was used. Methods. Six focus group interviews were conducted with health visitors and midwives and 33 postnatal interviews were completed with parents across four counties in Wales. Thematic content analysis was undertaken by two researchers, a third trailed decision processes and scrutinised categories and themes. Results. Findings suggest that health visitors and midwives perceive their roles relating to the promotion of bilingualism differently. Influences on their involvement include their language profile, contact with parents, personal experience, timing of the interaction and time in their workload. The relationship between promoting bilingualism and public health was accepted by some and denied by others. Data from the interviews with parents suggested that few health professionals discuss issues of language transmission with new parents. Conclusions. Some individual health visitors and midwives are willing to promote bilingualism with parents. However, there are challenges in enlisting the support of health visitors and midwives to discuss language transmission and bilingualism with parents. Relevance to clinical practice. These findings challenge practitioners to consider their role in promoting bilingualism and its effect on public health and suggest the need for more defined responsibilities.