ERIC Number: EJ1356052
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2022
Pages: 15
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0218-8791
EISSN: EISSN-1742-6855
Available Date: N/A
Early Experience and Later Multilingual Attainments by Ethnic Minority Students in Hong Kong
Li, Bin; Li, Yee Na; Hua, Congchao
Asia Pacific Journal of Education, v42 n2 p196-210 2022
Language learning has long been one of the most challenging issues facing non-Chinese speaking (NCS) students who are mainly ethnic minorities immersed in a multilingual environment in Hong Kong. Previous research on the education of NCS students suggested that early support from an immersion programme at a pre-school age may contribute to higher achievement in Chinese language skills. However, limited empirical evidence is available in the literature to shed light on the relationship between early immersion and language attainments of NCS students. This study aimed at surveying the experience and attainments in four languages among NCS students in local schools, and at filling the gap in the literature on holistic approaches to assessing language needs and development among young minority students. We used questionnaires as the major instrument to elicit information of ethnicity, age, family, language proficiencies, and other key variables. Responses were received from 230 NCS students in local primary and secondary schools where English is used as the medium of instruction. The results revealed a strong link between early acculturation and the later language attainments among the NCS participants. Our key finding corroborated previous research claims that early immersion may facilitate Chinese language acquisition by NCS students. Implications for immersion pedagogy are also discussed.
Descriptors: Early Experience, Multilingualism, Minority Group Students, Foreign Countries, Second Language Learning, Immersion Programs, Chinese, English (Second Language), Elementary School Students, Secondary School Students, Language Proficiency
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research; Tests/Questionnaires
Education Level: Elementary Education; Secondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Hong Kong
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A