The Role of Cultural Values in the Construction of Mexican Immigrant Mothers’ Views on “Spanglish”

• In Event: Roundtable Session 21
  In Roundtable Session: Hispanic Science and Other Issues

Abstract

Through an analysis of interviews with Mexican immigrant mothers, this study examines views on the use of “Spanglish” and how these views may be related to core Mexican values. Findings indicate that although mothers had a desire for their children to be bilingual, they disliked any “mixing” of Spanish and English because it was an indication of limited language proficiency or was disrespectful to those who may not speak both languages. Because mothers frequently referred to the importance of respect and the transmission culture-specific values to their children, findings suggest that the use of “Spanglish” may be seen not only as an issue of proficiency but also as being in conflict with values that are emphasized within the Mexican community.

Authors

• Jaycee Layne Bigham, University of California - Santa Barbara

• Meghan Corella Morales, University of California - Santa Barbara