Abstract
The purpose of this study was to explore immigrant Hungarian-American parents’ perceptions on
heritage language (HL) maintenance. We developed an online survey including Likert-type and
open questions, which was completed by 101 participants. First, we used factor analysis to
investigate the constructs of parents’ views about HL maintenance, and multiple regression
analyses to examine what factors predicted the specific constructs of parents’ views. Two
components emerged that accounted for 42.05% of the total variance: Benefits of the HL and
Elements for sustainable HL maintenance. Further, the findings suggested that time spent in
Hungary and time spent with Hungarian friends and families were statistically significant
predictors of parents’ perceptions of the elements for sustainable HL maintenance. Next, thematic
analysis was used to inquire into the parents’ perceptions about goals and contributing factors in
HL maintenance. The parents indicated several goals for their children’s learning Hungarian, such
as acquiring Hungarian language proficiency, knowledge and life skills, Hungarian cultural
heritage and identity, and deep relationship with the Hungarian parent(s). In addition, regarding
language management strategies, parents expressed the importance of opportunities, the consistent
use of the HL at home, and access to Hungarian communities. Overall, the participants highlighted
that ethnolinguistic vitality was present in their families and communities, which appears to
strengthen HL maintenance.