Multilingual language use and television exposure and preferences: The case of Belize¹

An earlier draft of this paper was presented to the Latin American Studies Association, Boston, October, 1986. The authors would like to thank Jun Kee, Stella Shields and Rosanne Hartman without whom this paper would not have been possible.

Abstract

This paper discusses the relationship between the language use patterns of multilinguals and their media preferences and exposure. Specifically, it examines the language behavior of multilinguals in Belize where television is available in both English and Spanish. A survey of Belizean high school students conducted in both languages, asked about their sociolinguistic patterns and media preferences and exposure. The results indicate that the frequency of a particular language's use correlates with preferences for and exposure to television in that language. This relationship is more pronounced when specific cultural programming is considered.

Key concepts:

• Multilingualism
• media preferences and exposure

Notes

An earlier draft of this paper was presented to the Latin American Studies Association, Boston, October, 1986. The authors would like to thank Jun Kee, Stella Shields and Rosanne Hartman without whom this paper would not have been possible.