Between tongues and minds: Language identity and a sense of belonging among multilingual 1.5 generation Asian immigrant young adults in the United States using a three-step sequential mixed methods approach
1
Department of Sociology, Anthropology, and Public Health, University of Maryland, Baltimore County, Baltimore, United States
Popul. Med. 2026;8(Supplement Supplement 1):A2657
ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION:
No clear definition of 1.5 generation has been established to determine the exact age range and the time duration of being in the new environment. Language identity is individual’s “connection to their sense of self through the socio-cultural contexts in which they use language to engage with others.”1,2 This study aimed to understand the role of language identity on acculturation and mental health among 1.5 generation Asian and Asian American immigrant young adults in the United States.
METHODS:
A three-step sequential mixed methods approach was developed: Phase 1—quantitative analysis (cross-sectional Qualtrics online survey for demographic information and Likert-scale questions, 24 participants); Phase 2—qualitative analysis (8 focus group discussions); and Phase 3—subsequent qualitative analysis (17 in-depth interviews). The inclusion criteria were aged 18-29, migrated from Asia with their parents between the ages of 5-17, and have lived in the United States at least 12 months. A total of 24 participants recruited through purposive and snowball sampling participated in focus group discussions. Among them, 17 participants attended a one-on-one, in-depth, life history format interview. Verbatim transcripts were analyzed through Dedoose, using deductive and inductive approaches.
RESULTS:
Combining both quantitative and qualitative findings, we identified three key themes. First, language identity implies having the proficiency and a connection to cultural self, but proficiency does not imply having that language identity. Second, a home country’s language identity relates to cultural connections and racial-ethnic identity. Third, cultural identity loss due to low home country language fluency fostered feelings of isolation and depression.
CONCLUSIONS:
Findings highlight the importance of language identity in establishing a sense of belonging. While group-based (Phases 1 and 2) and individual responses (Phase 3) were reported through this study, future research may focus on longitudinal approaches to acknowledge the changes within language identity and overall mental health impact within this population.
No clear definition of 1.5 generation has been established to determine the exact age range and the time duration of being in the new environment. Language identity is individual’s “connection to their sense of self through the socio-cultural contexts in which they use language to engage with others.”1,2 This study aimed to understand the role of language identity on acculturation and mental health among 1.5 generation Asian and Asian American immigrant young adults in the United States.
METHODS:
A three-step sequential mixed methods approach was developed: Phase 1—quantitative analysis (cross-sectional Qualtrics online survey for demographic information and Likert-scale questions, 24 participants); Phase 2—qualitative analysis (8 focus group discussions); and Phase 3—subsequent qualitative analysis (17 in-depth interviews). The inclusion criteria were aged 18-29, migrated from Asia with their parents between the ages of 5-17, and have lived in the United States at least 12 months. A total of 24 participants recruited through purposive and snowball sampling participated in focus group discussions. Among them, 17 participants attended a one-on-one, in-depth, life history format interview. Verbatim transcripts were analyzed through Dedoose, using deductive and inductive approaches.
RESULTS:
Combining both quantitative and qualitative findings, we identified three key themes. First, language identity implies having the proficiency and a connection to cultural self, but proficiency does not imply having that language identity. Second, a home country’s language identity relates to cultural connections and racial-ethnic identity. Third, cultural identity loss due to low home country language fluency fostered feelings of isolation and depression.
CONCLUSIONS:
Findings highlight the importance of language identity in establishing a sense of belonging. While group-based (Phases 1 and 2) and individual responses (Phase 3) were reported through this study, future research may focus on longitudinal approaches to acknowledge the changes within language identity and overall mental health impact within this population.
| eISSN: | 2654-1459 |
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