Skip to main content
Article
Language Brokering and the Acculturation of Latino Children
Hispanic Journal of Behavioral Sciences (2002)
  • Robert S. Weisskirch, California State University, Monterey Bay
  • Sylvia Alatorre Alva, California State University, Fullerton
Abstract
Children of immigrant parents frequently language broker, translating written forms and documents for their parents and other adults in various situations. Using a paper-and-pencil survey, 36 bilingual Latino fifth graders reported their experiences and levels of comfort in language brokering, levels of acculturation, feelings of acculturative stress, and self-concepts. Those who were least acculturated reported higher frequencies of language brokering and discomfort in doing so. Boys were more English dominant than girls and reported higher levels of acculturative stress. Girls were more Spanish dominant and had lower levels of acculturative stress. High levels of acculturative stress were associated with increased social acceptance by peers. Because the previous research with college students was retrospective, this study may demonstrate that the benefits of language brokering may be an age-graded phenomenon.
Publication Date
January 8, 2002
DOI
10.1177/0739986302024003007
Citation Information
Robert S. Weisskirch and Sylvia Alatorre Alva. "Language Brokering and the Acculturation of Latino Children" Hispanic Journal of Behavioral Sciences Vol. 24 Iss. 3 (2002) p. 369 - 378
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/rob-weisskirch/42/