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Relations between Second-Language Proficiency and National Identification: The Case of Immigrants in Germany
[journal article]
Abstract This article discusses and empirically tests the relations between German language proficiency
and national identification with Germany among first-generation immigrants in Germany. It presents three
theoretical arguments: (i) language proficiency positively affects national identification; (ii) c... view more
This article discusses and empirically tests the relations between German language proficiency
and national identification with Germany among first-generation immigrants in Germany. It presents three
theoretical arguments: (i) language proficiency positively affects national identification; (ii) contrastingly,
national identification positively influences language proficiency; and (iii) there is a reciprocal relationship
between both constructs. To test these potentially contradictory claims empirically, we use data on firstgeneration
immigrants in Germany measured in four waves (1997, 1999, 2001, and 2003) from the German
Socio-Economic Panel study. Language proficiency is operationalized with the variable proficiency in
German language. Hypotheses are tested using autoregressive cross-lagged structural equation models.
Findings demonstrate an effect of language proficiency on national identification among immigrants in
Germany. However, data provide no support for an effect in the other direction.... view less
Keywords
competence; German language; German as a second language; first generation; Federal Republic of Germany; SOEP; cultural integration; knowledge of languages; language behavior; immigration; national identity
Classification
Migration, Sociology of Migration
Cultural Sociology, Sociology of Art, Sociology of Literature
Ethnology, Cultural Anthropology, Ethnosociology
Free Keywords
Socio-Economic Panel; autoregressiv Cross-Lagged; ARCL
Document language
English
Publication Year
2014
Page/Pages
p. 344-359
Journal
European Sociological Review, 30 (2014) 3
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1093/esr/jcu043
ISSN
1468-2672
Status
Postprint; peer reviewed
Licence
Deposit Licence - No Redistribution, No Modifications