Linguistic Predictors of Cultural Identification in Bilinguals

Abstract

Most of the world's population has knowledge of at least two languages. Many of these bilinguals are also exposed to and identify with at least two cultures. Because language knowledge enables participation in cultural practices and expression of cultural beliefs, bilingual experience and cultural identity are interconnected. However, the specific links between bilingualism and cultural identity remain largely unidentified. The current study examined which aspects of bilingualism relate to identification with first- and second-language cultures. Two-hundred-and-nine bilinguals completed a questionnaire probing linguistic background and cultural affiliations. Regression analyses indicated that cultural identification was predicted by age of language acquisition, language proficiency, foreign-accentedness, and contexts of long-term language immersion and current language exposure. Follow-up analyses revealed that the language-culture relations were mediated by the age and manner in which the second language was acquired. These findings are situated within a proposed framework of bilingual cultural identity. By identifying features of bilingualism that are relevant for cultural identity, the current research increases our understanding of the relationship between language and culture.

Selection and Characterization of Cultural Priming Stimuli for the Activation of Spanish and English Cultural Mindsets Among Hispanic/Latino Bilinguals in the United States

“…We sought to confirm that “potential primes” were considered representative by individuals who interact regularly with the depicted culture. Current language exposure, time in host country, and affirmation of ethnic labels have all shown relevant relationships with cultural identification (Blackledge & Pavlenko, 2001; Duan & Vu, 2000; Kiang et al, 2011; Schroeder et al, 2017). Thus, from our available data, we combined three factors to create a proxy for respondents’ proximity to Hispanic or US-American culture: (1) relative daily language usage: 0 = 100% Spanish usage, 1 = 100% English usage; (2) proportion of life spent in the US: 0 = no time, 1 = native born; and (3) relative endorsement of terms distinct to each culture: 0 = complete endorsement of Hispanic terms and no endorsement of US-American terms, 1 = complete endorsement of US-American terms and no endorsement of Hispanic terms.…”

Predictors of language proficiency and cultural identification in heritage bilinguals

“…In a large heterogeneous sample of adult bilinguals varying in language and cultural backgrounds, Schroeder et al (2017) identified the linguistic factors that predict cultural identification. Increased first language (L1) exposure through media, higher L1 proficiency, fewer years immersed in a second language (L2) family context, but more years immersed in an L2 school/work context led to increased firstlanguage cultural affiliation.…”

Multiple languages, multiple identities? Children's language characteristics and their ethnic and national identification

“…Language is a multi-faceted phenomenon. The relationship between language and cultural identification can differ depending on the language characteristic under investigation (Schroeder et al, 2017). We focus here on three language characteristicspractice, exposure and proficiencyas we believe these most strongly affect children's ability to connect with their social environments, which is crucial for establishing an emotional connection between language and identity.…”

“…One study that has incorporated both types of identification indicates that language characteristics affect ethnic and national identification in different ways. Some characteristics only affect national identification, others only the identification with the ethnic group and still others influence both types of identification (Schroeder, Lam, & Marian, 2017).…”