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Searching for Affirmation: Relationships Between Ethnic Identity and Language

Podobnik, Sharon (2009) Searching for Affirmation: Relationships Between Ethnic Identity and Language. Undergraduate Thesis, University of Pittsburgh. (Unpublished)

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Abstract

Despite proposed links between social context and language acquisition (Bialystok, 2007; Hoff, 2008), few studies have explored the role of ethnicity on second language (L2) learning motivation. The present study addresses this issue by investigating the role that the strength of one's ethnic identity plays in the pursuit of an L2. Participants were German language learners who completed a battery of surveys to assess their language histories, the strength of their ethnic identities, and their German language proficiency before participating in a semi-structured interview. Results suggest that students who feel less strongly connected to their ethnic identity are likely to study longer than their more affirmed peers. It was concluded that although integrative and instrumental orientations play a strong role in L2 motivation, effects of ethnic identity are also important.

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Details

Item Type: University of Pittsburgh ETD
Status: Unpublished
Creators/Authors:
CreatorsEmailPitt UsernameORCID
Podobnik, SharonPodobnik.Sharon@gmail.com
ETD Committee:
TitleMemberEmail AddressPitt UsernameORCID
Committee ChairTokowicz, NatashaTokowicz@pitt.eduTOKOWICZ
Committee MemberScwartz, Anaaischwartz@utep.edu
Committee MemberKucinski, BarbaraKucinski@pitt.eduKUCINSKI
Committee MemberSchunn, ChristianSchunn@pitt.eduSCHUNN
Date: 22 May 2009
Date Type: Completion
Defense Date: 3 April 2009
Approval Date: 22 May 2009
Submission Date: 15 May 2009
Access Restriction: 5 year -- Restrict access to University of Pittsburgh for a period of 5 years.
Institution: University of Pittsburgh
Schools and Programs: Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences > Psychology
David C. Frederick Honors College
Degree: BPhil - Bachelor of Philosophy
Thesis Type: Undergraduate Thesis
Refereed: Yes
Uncontrolled Keywords: bilingualism; ethnic identity; german; german; instrumental; integrative; language acquisition; motivation; orientation; socio-cognitive
Other ID: http://etd.library.pitt.edu/ETD/available/etd-05152009-130609/, etd-05152009-130609
Date Deposited: 10 Nov 2011 19:44
Last Modified: 15 Nov 2016 13:43
URI: http://d-scholarship.pitt.edu/id/eprint/7883

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