語言態度和語言保存或流失息息相關。本研究以量化統計為主,輔以質化訪談,探討在語言流失的狀況下,小三至國三學生對台語態度的樣貌。本研究以問卷方式進行調査,在台灣北、中、南、東四區共40所國中小學回收了2,973份有效問卷。研究結果顯示,學生對台語工具性價值及情感性價值的支持並不強烈,可能是伴隨著語言流失的同時,對台語的學習與使用動機也隨著下降;此外,學生對語言地位提升與制度性支持度並不高。整體上,有相當高比率的中立回應,讓母語的未來發展徘徊於保存或流失的十字路口,若未能積極提升語言態度,後續恐怕趨向流失的方向。本研究也發現,學生的語言能力和語言態度呈現高度相關。語言能力越差者,越不支持台語;台語能力越佳者,則支持度越高。故本研究建議,復振台語除了亟需培養學生的台語能力之外,也應加強積極的語言態度,提升使用意願,增進台語在孩童語言社群間的接受度、影響力與親和力。
Language attitudes are closely associated with language maintenance or shift. This research examines 3^(rd)-9^(th) graders' attitudes toward Taigi from qualitative and quantitative approaches. In total 2,973 valid questionnaires were retrieved from 40 schools in Taiwan. The results demonstrate that respondents seem not to highly support the intrinsic and instrumental values of Taigi and that the motivation of using and learning Taigi reduces in tandem with language shift. Meanwhile, students are unmotivated in raising the language status or demanding institutional support. Whether Taigi will be maintained or not is at a crossroad. If nothing has been done to boost their attitudes, the language might be led to language shift. Results also show that the more proficient the students' Taigi is, the more positive attitude they hold for the use of the language. In addition to improving students' language competence, it is suggested that developing positive language attitudes be the focus in Taigi revitalization.