A study explored the process of ethnic identity formation and the role of language in the ethnic identity of five language-minority adults, and any changes in language's role over time. In-depth interviews were conducted with five U.S.-born ethnic and language minority adults with diverse backgrounds. Brief profiles of the three men and two women are presented. The recorded interviews and interview notes were analyzed for orientations toward culture, orientations toward language, and group membership, and for changes over time. Results suggested two stages of ethnic identity development: (1) lack of awareness and/or interest in ethnic language, culture, or group membership, and (2) a period of ethnic identity exploration and experimentation. Characteristic behaviors and attitudes of each stage are outlined, with examples from the interviews. The respondents' orientations toward the ethnic language appeared to parallel the changes occurring in orientations toward ethnic culture and group membership, and it is suggested that language plays a prominent role in identity formation. Respondents described their own movement from one stage to the next. No evidence was found in this group for a third stage, proposed in the literature, or conflict resolution and identity achievement. Contains 16 references. (MSE)