Acculturation, ethnicity, and second language acquisition: A study of Hmong students at the post-secondary level
Author(s):
Bosher, Susan
Format:
Thesis
Degree granted:
Ph.D.
Publisher:
Ann Arbor : University of Minnesota, 1995.
Pages:
383
Language:
English
Abstract:
This study examines the relationships among acculturation, ethnicity, second language acquisition, native language maintenance, self-esteem, and academic success, within the Hmong student population at the post-secondary level. Both quantitative and qualitative data were gathered to determine: (a) to what extent orientation towards American culture and orientation towards Hmong culture are meaningful predictors of second language acquisition, native language maintenance, self-esteem, and academic success, and (b) to what extent certain demographic variables affect those relationships. One hundred Hmong students at the post-secondary level filled out a questionnaire assessing their degree of acculturation, self-esteem, and English and Hmong language proficiencies. The questionnaire included items regarding the following dimensions of cultural orientation: language use, social contact, behavior, attitudes, and values, in terms of both American and Hmong cultures. GPAs were obtained to measure academic success. Correlational analysis and multiple regression were used to analyze the quantitative data. Fifteen students were interviewed about their experiences adapting to a new culture and learning a new language, as well as maintaining their native culture and language. The interviews were analyzed using a phenomenological approach in order to remain as close to the actual data as possible. The results of the quantitative data analysis demonstrate strong support for a multidimensional, bidirectional model of acculturation. They also show that acculturation, defined in terms of orientation towards both the majority culture and native culture, contributes significantly to second language acquisition, native language maintenance, and self-esteem. The results of the qualitative data analysis provide a thick description of the nature of acculturation at the individual level. The young adults interviewed demonstrate bicultural adaptation as their acculturation strategy to life in the United States. Furthermore, they have made conscious choices about what to adopt of American culture, as well as what to keep of Hmong culture. They also show a strong identification with Hmong culture, and to a somewhat lesser extent, with American culture.