‘Half of who you are’: Parent and child reflections on the emotional experiences of reversing familial language shift

Aims and objectives: The study explores the emotional experiences of a mother son during re-introduction heritage language at age 6, following 2-year hiatus. In particular, it seeks to highlight affordances collaborative, emotionally sensitive approach family policy, with parent child jointly incorporating acknowledging aspects child’s identity development. Methodology: Adopting an autoethnographic approach, kept joint research diary where critical incidents (as chosen by either one or both) were written down as verbatim possible, subsequently reflected on together, reflections again entered into diary. Data analysis: coded according various emotions (frustration, pride, joy, love, guilt, etc.) well code linked These then thematically analysed. Findings conclusion: Parent–child collaboration facilitation agency have positive impact attitude towards learning language. Jointly sharing reflecting journey growing up bilingual bringing affords both insight each other’s concerns, charting path collaborative policy Originality: is first officially documented long-term focusing reversal familial shift which provides language-related data from child, part complex tapestry emotion, identity, language, parent–child relationship. Significance Implications: Recommendations are made for children be more actively involved in research, taking account their links to, with, use. addition, focus can assist better understanding between giving parents space reflect articulate different points view, shaping policy.