Exploring Language Interactions in the Homes of Young Latino Dual Language Learners

• In Event: Sheraton Roundtable Session 41
  In Roundtable Session: Topics in Bilingual/Bicultural Education

Abstract

Limited research is available providing an in-depth look at the language interactions within Latino families residing in the U.S. We surveyed 393 families of Cuban, Mexican, and Puerto Rican descent regarding their home language use. Adults were matched on language used with each other and with the target child. Frequency distributions and cross-tab analysis identified Spanish as the primary language spoken in 56% of the homes. Further analysis revealed that 51% of mothers report no English fluency, while 15% of mothers are fluent English speakers but choose to speak only in Spanish at home. This study is unique as it focuses on language match within the home including both mother and father language use. Findings and implications are discussed.

Authors

• Lisa M Lopez, University of South Florida

• Eugene Komaroff, Keiser University

• Carol Scheffner Hammer, Teachers College, Columbia University

• Barbara Rodriguez, University of New Mexico