Skip to main content
Top
Gepubliceerd in: Journal of Youth and Adolescence 8/2010

01-08-2010 | Empirical Research

Perceived Discrimination and Linguistic Adaptation of Adolescent Children of Immigrants

Auteur: Maria Medvedeva

Gepubliceerd in: Journal of Youth and Adolescence | Uitgave 8/2010

Log in om toegang te krijgen
share
DELEN

Deel dit onderdeel of sectie (kopieer de link)

  • Optie A:
    Klik op de rechtermuisknop op de link en selecteer de optie “linkadres kopiëren”
  • Optie B:
    Deel de link per e-mail

Abstract

This study examines the relationship between perceived discrimination and self-reported proficiency in English and non-English languages among adolescent children of immigrants. Data from the Children of Immigrants Longitudinal Study was used. The average age of participants was 17.2 years; 1,494 were females and 1,332 were males. Among 2,826 participants, 61% reported Latin American and Caribbean national origin and 39% reported Asian national origin. Findings from probit regression analysis showed that adolescents who felt discriminated against by school peers were more likely to report speaking and reading English less than “very well”. On the other hand, adolescents who felt discriminated against by teachers and counselors at school or reported perceived societal discrimination were more likely to report speaking and reading English “very well.” The results suggest youth’s English, as opposed to non-English language, as the primary venue in which perceived discrimination influences youth’s linguistic adaptation. The findings further indicate that the direction and possible mechanisms of this influence vary depending on the source of perceived discrimination.
Voetnoten
1
Non-English language in this paper refers to the language, other than English, which a participant reports knowing, and speaking at home. The English versus non-English distinction appears to be less problematic than “native” versus “foreign” language distinction. Depending on the place of birth and parental nativity, some participants might consider English their “native” language. Depending on the length of stay in the United States, other participants might consider English their “foreign” language.
 
2
Portes and Hao (1998) defined a bilingual speaker as speaking English “very well” and speaking a non-English language “well” or “very well.” The present analysis extends this definition to bilingual proficiency and presents separate analyses for English or non-English languages. Because of the “parallel monolingualism”, or relative independence of two languages of bilingual adolescents (Caldas and Caron-Caldas 2002; Yeung et al. 2000), this strategy appears to be appropriate.
 
3
The results of the factor analysis indicated the one-dimensional structure of the perceived societal discrimination scale. The extracted Factor 1 was highly correlated with Item 1 (r = 0.78, p < 0.001), Item 2 (r = 0.79, p < 0.001) and Item 3 (r = 0.55, p < 0.001).
 
Literatuur
go back to reference Alba, R., Logan, J., Lutz, A., & Stults, B. (2002). Only English by the third generation? Loss and preservation of the mother tongue among the grandchildren of contemporary immigrants. Demography, 39(3), 467–484.CrossRefPubMed Alba, R., Logan, J., Lutz, A., & Stults, B. (2002). Only English by the third generation? Loss and preservation of the mother tongue among the grandchildren of contemporary immigrants. Demography, 39(3), 467–484.CrossRefPubMed
go back to reference Bean, F., & Stevens, G. (2003). America’s newcomers and the dynamics of diversity. New York, NY: Russell Sage Foundation. Bean, F., & Stevens, G. (2003). America’s newcomers and the dynamics of diversity. New York, NY: Russell Sage Foundation.
go back to reference Caldas, S., & Caron-Caldas, S. (2002). A sociolinguistic analysis of the language preferences of adolescent bilinguals: Shifting allegiances and developing identities. Applied Linguistics, 23(4), 490–514.CrossRef Caldas, S., & Caron-Caldas, S. (2002). A sociolinguistic analysis of the language preferences of adolescent bilinguals: Shifting allegiances and developing identities. Applied Linguistics, 23(4), 490–514.CrossRef
go back to reference Carhill, A., Suarez-Orozco, C., & Paez, M. (2008). Explaining English language proficiency among adolescent immigrant students. American Educational Research Journal, 45(4), 1155–1179.CrossRef Carhill, A., Suarez-Orozco, C., & Paez, M. (2008). Explaining English language proficiency among adolescent immigrant students. American Educational Research Journal, 45(4), 1155–1179.CrossRef
go back to reference Chiswick, B., & Miller, P. (1998). Language skills definition: A study of legalized aliens. International Migration Review, 32(4), 877–900.CrossRefPubMed Chiswick, B., & Miller, P. (1998). Language skills definition: A study of legalized aliens. International Migration Review, 32(4), 877–900.CrossRefPubMed
go back to reference Chiswick, B., & Miller, P. (2007). The economics of language: International analysis. New York, NY: Routledge, Taylor & Francis Group. Chiswick, B., & Miller, P. (2007). The economics of language: International analysis. New York, NY: Routledge, Taylor & Francis Group.
go back to reference Compas, B., Connor-Smith, J., Saltzman, H., Thomsen, A. H., & Wadsworth, M. (2001). Coping with stress during childhood and adolescence: Problems, progress, and potential in theory and research. Psychological Bulletin, 127(1), 87–127.CrossRefPubMed Compas, B., Connor-Smith, J., Saltzman, H., Thomsen, A. H., & Wadsworth, M. (2001). Coping with stress during childhood and adolescence: Problems, progress, and potential in theory and research. Psychological Bulletin, 127(1), 87–127.CrossRefPubMed
go back to reference Cummins, J. (1979). Cognitive/academic language proficiency, interdependence, the optimal age question and some other matters. Working paper on bilingualism, 19, 197–205. Cummins, J. (1979). Cognitive/academic language proficiency, interdependence, the optimal age question and some other matters. Working paper on bilingualism, 19, 197–205.
go back to reference Daykin, A., & Moffatt, P. (2002). Analyzing ordered responses: A review of the ordered probit model. Understanding Statistics, 1(3), 157–166.CrossRef Daykin, A., & Moffatt, P. (2002). Analyzing ordered responses: A review of the ordered probit model. Understanding Statistics, 1(3), 157–166.CrossRef
go back to reference Dornbusch, S. (1989). The sociology of adolescence. Annual Review of Sociology, 15, 233–259.CrossRef Dornbusch, S. (1989). The sociology of adolescence. Annual Review of Sociology, 15, 233–259.CrossRef
go back to reference Edwards, J. (1985). Language, society, and identity. New York, NY: Basil Blackwell in association with Andre Deutsch. Edwards, J. (1985). Language, society, and identity. New York, NY: Basil Blackwell in association with Andre Deutsch.
go back to reference Erikson, E. (1968). Identity: Youth and crisis. New York: Norton. Erikson, E. (1968). Identity: Youth and crisis. New York: Norton.
go back to reference Fisher, C., Wallace, S., & Fenton, R. (2000). Discrimination distress during adolescence. Journal of Youth and Adolescence, 29(6), 679–695.CrossRef Fisher, C., Wallace, S., & Fenton, R. (2000). Discrimination distress during adolescence. Journal of Youth and Adolescence, 29(6), 679–695.CrossRef
go back to reference Fishman, J. (1966). Language loyalty in the United States. The Hague, Netherlands: Mouton. Fishman, J. (1966). Language loyalty in the United States. The Hague, Netherlands: Mouton.
go back to reference Galindo, L. (1995). Language attitudes toward Spanish and English varieties: A Chicano perspective. Hispanic Journal of Behavioral Sciences, 17(1), 77–99.CrossRef Galindo, L. (1995). Language attitudes toward Spanish and English varieties: A Chicano perspective. Hispanic Journal of Behavioral Sciences, 17(1), 77–99.CrossRef
go back to reference Gans, H. (1977). Symbolic ethnicity: The future of ethnic groups and cultures in America. Ethnic and Racial Studies, 2(1), 1–20. Gans, H. (1977). Symbolic ethnicity: The future of ethnic groups and cultures in America. Ethnic and Racial Studies, 2(1), 1–20.
go back to reference Giles, H., Bourhis, R., & Taylor, D. (1977). Toward a theory of language in ethnic group relations. In H. Giles (Ed.), Language, ethnicity, and intergroup relations (pp. 307–348). London, UK: Academic Press. Giles, H., Bourhis, R., & Taylor, D. (1977). Toward a theory of language in ethnic group relations. In H. Giles (Ed.), Language, ethnicity, and intergroup relations (pp. 307–348). London, UK: Academic Press.
go back to reference Greene, M., Way, N., & Pahl, K. (2006). Trajectories of perceived adult and peer discrimination among Black, Latino, and Asian American adolescents: Patterns and psychological correlates. Developmental Psychology, 42(2), 218–238.CrossRefPubMed Greene, M., Way, N., & Pahl, K. (2006). Trajectories of perceived adult and peer discrimination among Black, Latino, and Asian American adolescents: Patterns and psychological correlates. Developmental Psychology, 42(2), 218–238.CrossRefPubMed
go back to reference Hakuta, K., & D’Andrea, D. (1992). Some properties of bilingual maintenance and loss in Mexican background high-school students. Applied Linguistics, 13, 72–99.CrossRef Hakuta, K., & D’Andrea, D. (1992). Some properties of bilingual maintenance and loss in Mexican background high-school students. Applied Linguistics, 13, 72–99.CrossRef
go back to reference Hakuta, K., & Diaz, R. (1985). The relationship between degree of bilingualism and cognitive ability: A critical discussion and some new longitudinal data. In K. E. Nelson (Ed.), Children’s language (Vol. 5). Hillsdale, NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates. Hakuta, K., & Diaz, R. (1985). The relationship between degree of bilingualism and cognitive ability: A critical discussion and some new longitudinal data. In K. E. Nelson (Ed.), Children’s language (Vol. 5). Hillsdale, NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates.
go back to reference Hamers, J., & Blanc, M. (2000). Bilinguality and bilingualism (2nd Ed. ed.). United Kingdom: Cambridge University Press.CrossRef Hamers, J., & Blanc, M. (2000). Bilinguality and bilingualism (2nd Ed. ed.). United Kingdom: Cambridge University Press.CrossRef
go back to reference Hernandez, R. (1993). When an accent becomes an issue: Immigrants turn to speech classes to reduce sting of bias. The New York Times, March, 2, 1993. Hernandez, R. (1993). When an accent becomes an issue: Immigrants turn to speech classes to reduce sting of bias. The New York Times, March, 2, 1993.
go back to reference Kessler, R., Mickelson, K., & Williams, M. (1999). The prevalence, distribution, and mental health correlates of perceived discrimination in the United States. Journal of Health and Social Behavior, 40(3), 208–230.CrossRefPubMed Kessler, R., Mickelson, K., & Williams, M. (1999). The prevalence, distribution, and mental health correlates of perceived discrimination in the United States. Journal of Health and Social Behavior, 40(3), 208–230.CrossRefPubMed
go back to reference Lippi-Green, R. (1997). English with an accent: Language, ideology, and discrimination in the United States. New York, NY: Routledge. Lippi-Green, R. (1997). English with an accent: Language, ideology, and discrimination in the United States. New York, NY: Routledge.
go back to reference McKay, S. L., & Wong, S. C. (1996). Multiple discourses, multiple identities: Investment and agency in second-language learning among Chinese adolescent immigrant students. Harvard Educational Review, 66(3), 577–608. McKay, S. L., & Wong, S. C. (1996). Multiple discourses, multiple identities: Investment and agency in second-language learning among Chinese adolescent immigrant students. Harvard Educational Review, 66(3), 577–608.
go back to reference Mesch, G., Turjeman, H., & Fishman, G. (2008). Perceived discrimination and the well-being of immigrant adolescents. Journal of Youth and Adolescence, 37, 592–604.CrossRef Mesch, G., Turjeman, H., & Fishman, G. (2008). Perceived discrimination and the well-being of immigrant adolescents. Journal of Youth and Adolescence, 37, 592–604.CrossRef
go back to reference Mossakowski, K. (2003). Coping with perceived discrimination: Does ethnic identity protect mental health? Journal of Health and Social Behavior, 44(3), 318–331. (special issue on race, ethnicity, and mental health).CrossRefPubMed Mossakowski, K. (2003). Coping with perceived discrimination: Does ethnic identity protect mental health? Journal of Health and Social Behavior, 44(3), 318–331. (special issue on race, ethnicity, and mental health).CrossRefPubMed
go back to reference Mouw, T., & Xie, Y. (1999). Bilingualism and academic achievement of first- and second-generation Asian Americans: Accommodation with or without assimilation? American Sociological Review, 64(2), 232–252.CrossRef Mouw, T., & Xie, Y. (1999). Bilingualism and academic achievement of first- and second-generation Asian Americans: Accommodation with or without assimilation? American Sociological Review, 64(2), 232–252.CrossRef
go back to reference Norton Pierce, B. (1995). Social identity, investment, and language learning. TESOL Quarterly, 29(1), 9–31.CrossRef Norton Pierce, B. (1995). Social identity, investment, and language learning. TESOL Quarterly, 29(1), 9–31.CrossRef
go back to reference Okita, T. (2002). Invisible work: Bilingualism, language choice and childrearing in intermarried families. Vol. 12 of IMPACT: Studies in language and society. Philadelphia, USA: John Benjamins. Okita, T. (2002). Invisible work: Bilingualism, language choice and childrearing in intermarried families. Vol. 12 of IMPACT: Studies in language and society. Philadelphia, USA: John Benjamins.
go back to reference Peal, E., & Lambert, W. (1962). The relation of bilingualism to intelligence. Psychological Monographs, 76, 1–23. Peal, E., & Lambert, W. (1962). The relation of bilingualism to intelligence. Psychological Monographs, 76, 1–23.
go back to reference Pease-Alvarez, L. (2002). Moving beyond linear trajectories of language shift and bilingual language socialization. Hispanic Journal of Behavioral Sciences, 24(2), 114–137.CrossRef Pease-Alvarez, L. (2002). Moving beyond linear trajectories of language shift and bilingual language socialization. Hispanic Journal of Behavioral Sciences, 24(2), 114–137.CrossRef
go back to reference Portes, A., & Hao, L. (1998). E Pluribus Unum: Bilingualism and loss of language in the second generation. Sociology of Education, 71(4), 269–294.CrossRef Portes, A., & Hao, L. (1998). E Pluribus Unum: Bilingualism and loss of language in the second generation. Sociology of Education, 71(4), 269–294.CrossRef
go back to reference Portes, A., & Rumbaut, R. (2001). Legacies: The story of the immigrant second generation. Los Angeles, CA: University of California Press. Portes, A., & Rumbaut, R. (2001). Legacies: The story of the immigrant second generation. Los Angeles, CA: University of California Press.
go back to reference Portes, A., & Schauffler, R. (1994). Language and the second generation: Bilingualism yesterday and today. International Migration Review, 28(4), 640–661. (special issue on the new second generation).CrossRef Portes, A., & Schauffler, R. (1994). Language and the second generation: Bilingualism yesterday and today. International Migration Review, 28(4), 640–661. (special issue on the new second generation).CrossRef
go back to reference Powers, S., & Sanchez, V. (1982). Correlates of self-esteem of Mexican American adolescents. Psychological Reports, 51, 771–774. Powers, S., & Sanchez, V. (1982). Correlates of self-esteem of Mexican American adolescents. Psychological Reports, 51, 771–774.
go back to reference Romero, A., & Roberts, R. (1998). Perception of discrimination and ethnocultural variables in a diverse group of adolescents. Journal of Adolescence, 21, 641–656.CrossRefPubMed Romero, A., & Roberts, R. (1998). Perception of discrimination and ethnocultural variables in a diverse group of adolescents. Journal of Adolescence, 21, 641–656.CrossRefPubMed
go back to reference Rumbaut, R. (1994). The crucible within: Ethnic identity, self-esteem, and segmented assimilation among children of immigrants. International Migration Review, 28(4), 748–794. (special issue on the new second generation).CrossRef Rumbaut, R. (1994). The crucible within: Ethnic identity, self-esteem, and segmented assimilation among children of immigrants. International Migration Review, 28(4), 748–794. (special issue on the new second generation).CrossRef
go back to reference Rumbaut, R., Massey, D., & Bean, F. (2006). Linguistic life expectancies: Immigrant language retention in Southern California. Population and Development Review, 32(3), 447–460.CrossRef Rumbaut, R., Massey, D., & Bean, F. (2006). Linguistic life expectancies: Immigrant language retention in Southern California. Population and Development Review, 32(3), 447–460.CrossRef
go back to reference Sinclair, K. (1971). The influence of anxiety on several measures of performance. In E. Gaudry & C. D. Spielberger (Eds.), Anxiety and educational achievement (pp. 95–106). Sydney, Australia: Wiley. Sinclair, K. (1971). The influence of anxiety on several measures of performance. In E. Gaudry & C. D. Spielberger (Eds.), Anxiety and educational achievement (pp. 95–106). Sydney, Australia: Wiley.
go back to reference Skutnabb-Kangas, T. (1981). Bilingualism or not: The education of minorities (L. Malmberg & D. Crane, Trans.). Multilingual Matters 7. England: Multilingual Matters. Skutnabb-Kangas, T. (1981). Bilingualism or not: The education of minorities (L. Malmberg & D. Crane, Trans.). Multilingual Matters 7. England: Multilingual Matters.
go back to reference Stevens, G. (1985). Nativity, intermarriage, and mother-tongue shift. American Sociological Review, 50(1), 74–83.CrossRef Stevens, G. (1985). Nativity, intermarriage, and mother-tongue shift. American Sociological Review, 50(1), 74–83.CrossRef
go back to reference Stevens, G., & Ishizawa, H. (2007). Variation among siblings in the use of a non-English language. Journal of Family Issues, 28(8), 1008–1025.CrossRef Stevens, G., & Ishizawa, H. (2007). Variation among siblings in the use of a non-English language. Journal of Family Issues, 28(8), 1008–1025.CrossRef
go back to reference Stolzenberg, R., & Tienda, M. (1997). English proficiency, education, and the conditional assimilation of Hispanic and Asian origin men. Social Science Research, 26, 25–51.CrossRef Stolzenberg, R., & Tienda, M. (1997). English proficiency, education, and the conditional assimilation of Hispanic and Asian origin men. Social Science Research, 26, 25–51.CrossRef
go back to reference Suarez-Orozco, C., & Suarez-Orozco, M. (2001). Children of immigration. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press. Suarez-Orozco, C., & Suarez-Orozco, M. (2001). Children of immigration. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press.
go back to reference Tajfel, H. (1974). Social identity and intergroup behavior. Social Science Information, 13, 65–93.CrossRef Tajfel, H. (1974). Social identity and intergroup behavior. Social Science Information, 13, 65–93.CrossRef
go back to reference Tseng, V., & Fuligni, A. (2000). Parent-adolescent language use and relationships among immigrant families with East Asian, Filipino, and Latin American backgrounds. Journal of Marriage and the Family, 62(2), 445–476. Tseng, V., & Fuligni, A. (2000). Parent-adolescent language use and relationships among immigrant families with East Asian, Filipino, and Latin American backgrounds. Journal of Marriage and the Family, 62(2), 445–476.
go back to reference Wong, C., Eccles, J., & Sameroff, A. (2003). The influence of ethnic discrimination and ethnic identification on African American adolescents’ school and socioemotional adjustment. Journal of Personality, 71(6), 1197–1232.CrossRefPubMed Wong, C., Eccles, J., & Sameroff, A. (2003). The influence of ethnic discrimination and ethnic identification on African American adolescents’ school and socioemotional adjustment. Journal of Personality, 71(6), 1197–1232.CrossRefPubMed
go back to reference Xu, M. (1991). The impact of English-language proficiency on international graduate students: Perceived academic difficulty. Research in Higher Education, 32(5), 557–570.CrossRef Xu, M. (1991). The impact of English-language proficiency on international graduate students: Perceived academic difficulty. Research in Higher Education, 32(5), 557–570.CrossRef
go back to reference Yeung, A., Marsh, H., & Suliman, R. (2000). Can two languages live in harmony: Analysis of the National Education Longitudinal Study of 1988 (NELS88) longitudinal data on the maintenance of home language. American Educational Research Journal, 37(4), 1001–1026. Yeung, A., Marsh, H., & Suliman, R. (2000). Can two languages live in harmony: Analysis of the National Education Longitudinal Study of 1988 (NELS88) longitudinal data on the maintenance of home language. American Educational Research Journal, 37(4), 1001–1026.
Metagegevens
Titel
Perceived Discrimination and Linguistic Adaptation of Adolescent Children of Immigrants
Auteur
Maria Medvedeva
Publicatiedatum
01-08-2010
Uitgeverij
Springer US
Gepubliceerd in
Journal of Youth and Adolescence / Uitgave 8/2010
Print ISSN: 0047-2891
Elektronisch ISSN: 1573-6601
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10964-009-9434-8

Andere artikelen Uitgave 8/2010

Journal of Youth and Adolescence 8/2010 Naar de uitgave