Some methodological aspects of self‐report questions on language and ethnicity

Abstract

Self‐report questions on language and ethnicity, as used in population censuses, are analysed. Questions on ethnicity are generally ill‐equipped to measure the two primary dimensions of ethnicity (identification and descent), unless those dimensions are very highly correlated.

Questions on language may be subdivided into three categories: mother tongue, main language and the ability to speak designated languages. The importance of question wording is demonstrated. The analysis of language maintenance and shift may be carried out when two or three different questions on language are asked in the same questionnaire or census schedule.

Examples and illustrations from the Canadian censuses through 1981, and from the United States censuses for 1970 and 1980, are used to support the assertions made in the paper.