This study focuses on the linguistic perceptions, as well as the practices of ten immigrant families from the Chinese community of Athens in the wider area of Metaxourgeio. With theoretical framework the field of bi-/multilingualism and language contact, the study aims to highlight the linguistic repertoire of Chinese parents and their children, with emphasis on their attitudes towards the official Chinese (Mandarin) and Greek language. The participants’ perceptions were studied through qualitative research, by using as methodological tools language portraits and semistructured interviews. Eleven parents participated in the research project, along with their child who is taught Greek and Chinese, in the standard and the community school respectively. Regarding the latter, further knowledge has been obtained through an interview with the manager of the “Association for the Promotion of Chinese Language and Culture in Greece”. The analysis of the results highlights the participants’ commitment to their heritage language for reasons related to the validation of their ethnic identity, the maintenance of family and community cohesion and the provision of career opportunities. Although the balance between Chinese and Greek language proficiency levels is desirable, strong Chinese gathering, community school attendance
and engagement in Chinese social media (WeChat, Douyin) seem to reinforce the heritage language. In addition, the research findings support the fading of local dialects in Chinese families, giving more space to practicing official Mandarin. Fluency in Greek is important for survival and professional/economic advancement in the place of settlement. However, the findings suggest a critical attitude towards the majority language, as the participants point out the difficulty of learning and the limited use of Greek when compared to English.