Language Shift Co-Occurs with Positive Attitudes toward the Heritage Language
Author(s):
Shin, Fay; Lee, Bo
Format:
Journal article
Citation:
Mosaic, Volume 8, Issue 1 (2003-10). pp. 9-Jul.
Language:
English
Abstract:
Findings of a study by A. Nguyen et al (2001) revealing substantial language shift from Vietnamese to English among middle-grade students despite a positive attitude towards Vietnamese are compared with results of a similar survey of Hmong-speaking students in the Central Valley of California, who were divided into three groups: grades 1-3, grades 4-6, & grades 7-8 (N = 70, 80, & 100 respectively). Ss reported 100% oral competence in Hmong, although self-reported Hmong literacy was only 11%. Whereas 80% of Ss in grades 1-3 were more comfortable speaking Hmong, 51% in grades 7-8 said they were more comfortable speaking English. An overwhelming majority of Ss (96%) thought it was important to maintain the Hmong language, however, & 88% said they would like to learn to read & write Hmong in school. 3 Tables, 12 References. J. Hitchcock