New Language Dimensions
Vol. 7 No. 1 (2026): Vol. 7 No. 1 (2026): New Language Dimension, June 2026

Heritage and Global Language Use among Lithuanian-English Bilinguals: Language Maintenance and Identity Preservation in Kaunas

Annisa Budi Damayanti (Universitas Negeri Surabaya)
Slamet Setiawan (Universitas Negeri Surabaya)
Daiva Bartušienė (Vytautas Magnus University)



Article Info

Publish Date
30 Jun 2026

Abstract

The growing use of English in non-English-speaking contexts has raised concerns about heritage language maintenance and identity preservation. In Lithuania, English increasingly functions as a language of education, work, and international communication, while Lithuanian remains central to national and cultural identity. This qualitative case study investigated language-use patterns, heritage language maintenance, and identity preservation among three Lithuanian–English bilinguals in Kaunas. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and limited observations across family, education, and community domains. The analysis was guided by Setiawan’s (2013) domain-based language-use framework and Fishman’s theory of language maintenance. The findings show that participants used Lithuanian and English differently across domains. English was dominant in educational, professional, and international interactions, while Lithuanian remained important in family communication, local interactions, cultural practices, and media engagement. Participants maintained Lithuanian through intergenerational communication, positive language attitudes, cultural participation, and exposure to Lithuanian songs, books, and community practices. Although English served important practical and global functions, participants continued to associate Lithuanian with belonging, heritage, and cultural continuity. The study suggests that heritage language maintenance depends not only on frequency of use but also on emotional attachment, family transmission, and cultural identification.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

nld

Publisher

Subject

Education Languange, Linguistic, Communication & Media

Description

New Language Dimensions emphasizes on the publication of original articles as an academic network providing appealing and interdisciplinary discussions on literature, language and teaching. It is expected to reach out wider reader and writers, bringing the academic dialogue into multiple audiences ...