Relations between Second-Language Proficiency and National Identification: The Case of Immigrants in Germany

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) 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.