Speaking on Behalf of Others: A Qualitative Study of the Perceptions and Feelings of Adolescent Latina Language Brokers

Abstract

Children of Latino immigrants are often called upon to interpret and mediate linguistic and cultural information for adults in a process termed language brokering. The present qualitative study examined the experiences of nine female first- and second-generation Latina adolescent language brokers. Results showed that mothers were the persons for whom participants translated the most. In addition, school-related issues were the most frequently reported reason for brokering activities as well as the most stressful. Age, gender, and birth order influenced the range of brokering experiences, whereas language fluency influenced the frequency of brokering experiences. Additionally, the presence of another sibling who brokered was related to fluency. Finally, participants reported several familial responsibilities, other than language brokering, as being more important contributions to their families’ well-being. The findings are discussed in terms of how language brokering affects the academic and linguistic activities as well as the family roles of young Latinas.