Transculturality and Cognitive Development: Some Observations and Some Questions

Abstract

Transculturality is defined as “the condition of being either between cultures or astride two (or more) cultures.” The condition has both a dynamic aspect, i.e., movement between or across boundaries, but, more importantly, a social and psychological aspect, i.e., movement between or across social systems whose cultural characteristics are fundamentally different. Transculturality may occur both between and within persons. Data on language mastery and use, educational attainment, school dropout rates, occupations, and incomes of transcultural persons in the United States are examined for generalizable inferences. Language appears to be both a powerful component of culture and of great power in transcultural situations. Language mastery and use are strongly related to a host of adaptation variables. Three models (syndrome, risk factor, and multivariate) are discussed briefly.