ERIC Number: ED309636
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 1988-Jan
Pages: 36
Abstractor: N/A
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: N/A
The Effects of Social Background, Spanish Use, and English Proficiency on Codeswitching Attitudes and Behavior.
Fuentes, Jesus
A study investigated the relationship between gender, age, and length of residence in the United States and codeswitching behavior, by looking at the attitudes of 133 Hispanic college students who are first-generation immigrants from a variety of countries. The subjects completed questionnaires concerning their English and Spanish language proficiency, use of Spanish, and familiarity with and attitudes toward codeswitching. Results showed codeswitching to be relatively widespread among the sample, with significant ethnic differences in codeswitching behavior, familiarity, and attitudes. Puerto Rican students were most disposed and likely to use codeswitching, South Americans the least disposed, and Cubans the least likely to engage in codeswitching. In addition, age, gender, Spanish use level, length of residence in the United States, and English proficiency were found to affect familiarity with codeswitching or codeswitching behavior. Attitudes became more positive with longer periods of residence. The most powerful predictor of familiarity and codeswitching behavior, of the background variables considered, was the subjects' country of origin. Tables, a reference list, and the questionnaire are included. (MSE)
Publication Type: Reports - Research; Speeches/Meeting Papers
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: United States
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A