“Linguistic Predictors of Cultural Identification in Bilinguals”
“Increased proficiency in the second language was linked to stronger identification with the second-language culture.”
Proficiency in a second language leads to a stronger sense of belonging within the culture that uses that language. As a person’s fluency increases by participating in social interactions such as conversations at school, work or any other spaces becomes easier. This can make them feel more accepted and connected to the new culture since it is becomes a part of their daily life.
Schroeder, Scott R., Tuan Q. Lam, and Viorica Marian. “Linguistic Predictors of Cultural Identification in Bilinguals.” Applied Linguistics, vol. 38, no. 4, 2017, pp. 463–488, https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5603315/.
“The Emotional Journey of Being and Becoming Bilingual”
“Finnish began to sound strange even to my own ears and soon I caught myself thinking and dreaming in English!”
As the speaker became more fluent in English, it began to take the place of native language, Finnish. Bilingualism can make a new language a new part of identity which can result native language feeling less familiar or connected to the person’s self.
Moate, Josephine, and Maria Ruohotie-Lyhty. “The Emotional Journey of Being and Becoming Bilingual.” International Journal of Bilingual Education and Bilingualism, vol. 23, no. 2, 2017, pp. 213–226, https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/13670050.2017.1348464
“Mother Tongue”
“I think my mother’s English almost had an effect on limiting my possibilities in life as well.”
Paraphrase: Amy Tan reflects how her mother’s nonstandard English affected how she perceived herself in society. Because people judged her mother’s intelligence based on her language. The way her mother speaks influenced how much she is respected or taken seriously. The experience shows that language can shape a person’s confidence, possibility, and place in society for immigrants.
Tan, Amy. “Mother Tongue.” The Threepenny Review, 1990.
“You Are What You Speak… or Are You?”
“Often there is immense pressure to shift to the majority language. Immigrants may internalize this language discrimination or maintain a strong sense of pride, while their children and grandchildren develop identities that combine new languages and cultural practices with the desire to preserve or relearn their family heritage.”
Immigrants are pressured to assimilate to dominant language to avoid discrimination in social settings. While first generation immigrants may reduce the use of their language to adapt, the next generation will try to reconnect to their heritage. This can result in a completely new identity that blends both dominant and original cultures.
Tseng, Amelia. “You Are What You Speak… or Are You?” Smithsonian Folklife Magazine, Smithsonian Institution, 2023, https://folklife.si.edu/magazine/you-are-what-you-speak-or-are-you.
Translation 2
