Laurier 2023 Three Minute Thesis (3MT) Winner Esther Li

Summary

The presentation explores the impact of acculturation and enculturation on first language loss among immigrants in Canada, where nearly 25% of the population is foreign-born. The study, involving 177 undergraduate participants, found that higher levels of acculturation correlate with lower proficiency in their first language, while enhancing English skills. Conversely, enculturation supports first language maintenance but hinders English proficiency. Despite examining the influence of multi-generational households on language retention, no significant results were found. The findings highlight the need to balance acquiring a dominant language with preserving one's heritage language and culture.

Takeaways

• 🌍 Nearly one in four Canadians are immigrants or permanent residents, indicating a significant level of cultural diversity in Canada.
• 🤝 Acculturation refers to the process of adapting to a new cultural environment after relocating from one's heritage culture.
• 🏡 Enculturation is the maintenance of one's heritage culture, values, and traditions while integrating into a new society.
• 📉 First language (L1) loss is common among immigrants, leading to diminished proficiency in their native language.
• 📈 Higher levels of acculturation are linked to improved English language proficiency but poorer first language skills.
• 🔄 Enculturation correlates with the retention of first language skills, but may hinder English language outcomes.
• 👪 The presence of multi-generational households was explored as a factor for preserving first language, but no significant evidence was found.
• 🧠 The study involved 177 undergraduate students who completed surveys and language proficiency assessments in both their first language and English.
• 📚 The findings stress the importance of balancing the acquisition of the dominant language with the preservation of one's first language.
• 💡 Maintaining one's first language and heritage culture is crucial for identity, even while adapting to a new cultural environment.

Q & A

What percentage of Canada's population is foreign-born according to the 2021 census?

Nearly 25% of Canada's population are immigrants or permanent residents.

What is acculturation?

Acculturation is the gradual process of adapting to a new cultural environment after relocating from one's heritage culture to a new host culture.

How does enculturation differ from acculturation?

Enculturation involves maintaining one's heritage cultures, values, and traditions, while acculturation focuses on adopting values and traditions from the new host culture.

What is first language loss (L1 loss)?

First language loss is a phenomenon where individuals progressively lose their first language, often occurring among those who move to a country with a different dominant language.

What are the potential consequences of losing first language proficiencies?

The loss of first language proficiencies can lead to detrimental effects, including a loss of culture and ethnic identity.

What was the primary aim of the study mentioned in the transcript?

The study aimed to investigate the relationship between acculturation and first language loss, as well as enculturation and first language retention.

How many participants were involved in the study?

The study involved 177 undergraduate students.

What methods were used to assess language proficiencies in the study?

Participants completed surveys measuring their English vocabulary size, levels of acculturation, and language dominance, along with one-on-one Zoom sessions to assess their proficiencies in both their first language and English.

What correlation was found between acculturation and first language skills?

The study found that higher levels of acculturation were associated with lower first language skills.

Did residing in a multi-generational household significantly impact first language preservation?

The study did not find significant results to support the claim that residing in a multi-generational household helps preserve the first language.

What is the significance of the study's findings regarding language acquisition?

The findings highlight the importance of balancing the acquisition of the host culture's dominant language with the maintenance of one's first language and heritage culture.