Abstract

This study examines the relationship between heritage language ability and ethnic identity in a sample of ethnically diverse second generation Canadians. Previous literature suggests that ethnic identity and heritage language ability are strongly related. The findings from this study, gleaned from 114 surveys and 2 focus group interviews, only partially support this hypothesis. Instead, this study reveals that identity is a complex and mutable concept that is more clearly related to oral language ability than to language literacy. The findings suggest a distinction between external/behavioral expressions of ethnic identity, such as participation in ethnic activities, and internal/attitudinal markers of identity, such as pride or belief in group values. The results from both the interviews and the surveys indicate that participation in ethnic practices is related to oral language ability but not literacy. No clear link between internal aspects of identity and language ability was found.

Highlights

  • In the past thirty years, researchers have paid increasing attention to language shift from minority to majority languages

  • The present study explores the relationship between heritage language ability and strength of ethnic identity in second generation Canadians

  • Data is gathered from second generation Canadians from a diversity of ethnic backgrounds; a study of individuals with Chinese heritage in particular allows for a more in-depth look at the dynamics of this relationship within the bounds of one ethnic group

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Summary

Introduction

In the past thirty years, researchers have paid increasing attention to language shift from minority to majority languages. In Canada, studies have indicated significant intergenerational language shift from heritage to official languages (O’Bryan, Reitz & Kuplowska, 1976; Harrison & Lachapelle, 1990). A decade later, a similar study found that heritage languages were transmitted to children in only half of cases or less (Harrison & Lachapelle, 1990). This pervasive language shift has implications for a society that defines itself as multicultural (but bilingual), as well as for individuals who experience these changes personally. Data is gathered from second generation Canadians from a diversity of ethnic backgrounds; a study of individuals with Chinese heritage in particular allows for a more in-depth look at the dynamics of this relationship within the bounds of one ethnic group

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