Factors Influencing Language Choice Among Latino/a Spanish English Bilinguals

• In Event: Poster Session 11
  In Poster Session: Bilingual Education Research: Theory, Policy, and Practice Poster Session

Abstract

Spanglish is a much debated and controversial phenomenon. Some scholars argue that code switching/mixing is a choice depending on varying factors; others argue that code switching/mixing is not a choice but marks a speaker as a low income or lowly educated individual. This study explores the specific factors that influence students’ language choice at a large University in the Pacific Northwest, and to identify other elements that influence language choice and the use of Spanglish, beside social status. Results found that participants tended to follow the leader’s initial language choice and code-switched due to context. There was little correlation between income status and language choice and Spanglish use.

Authors

• Evelyn Quezada, Washington State University- Pullman

• Olusola Olalekan Adesope, Washington State University