Linguistic integration: A comparison of Spanish speakers in Austria and Germany with those in the U.S.

Authors

Nicole Gomez Bravo, Brigham Young University
Laura Smith, Brigham Young University

Keywords

linguistic integration, Spanish speakers, immigrants

College

Humanities

Department

German and Russian

Abstract

This study examined factors influencing the linguistic and cultural integration of Spanish-speaking immigrants into the local language and culture. Immigration and the integration of recent immigrants is an increasingly polarizing topic worldwide, with many citizens complaining that new immigrants fail to learn the target language of their new home and refuse to integrate into local culture. Consequently, immigrants from some cultures often face discrimination or poor treatment. In the United States, immigrants from Spanish-speaking countries in Latin America are one such group encountering well-publicized difficulties. Spanish-speaking immigrants are also on the rise in German-speaking countries such as Germany and Austria, where these immigrants are seeking better economic opportunities available there. While many of these immigrants come from Spain, a number are also coming from Latin America via Spain.

Recommended Citation

Bravo, Nicole Gomez and Smith, Laura (2019) "Linguistic integration: A comparison of Spanish speakers in Austria and Germany with those in the U.S.," Journal of Undergraduate Research: Vol. 2019: Iss. 2019, Article 93.
Available at: https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/jur/vol2019/iss2019/93