English Gain vs. Spanish Loss? Language Assimilation among Second-Generation Latinos in Young Adulthood.

ASSIMILATION (Sociology); CHILDREN of immigrants; HISPANIC Americans; SPANISH language; ENGLISH language; MULTILINGUALISM; NATIVE language; ETHNIC groups; LANGUAGE contact; BILINGUALISM

Analyzing three waves of data from the Children of Immigrants Longitudinal Survey, this article explores the process of language assimilation among second-generation Latinos. Although previous studies have focused on the shift from mother tongue to English across immigrant generations, few have examined change in language proficiency over time within the second generation. Results from a series of growth-curve models suggest three findings. First, both English and Spanish proficiency increased over time. Second, significant differences exist across Latino ethnic groups, with Mexicans being least proficient in English and most proficient in Spanish. Third, use of Spanish at home and in school has no effect on English acquisition, but significantly promotes Spanish retention. Overall, these findings lend support for the emergence of a new context for bilingualism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Social Forces is the property of Oxford University Press / USA and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)