A meta-analysis of the correlation between heritage language and ethnic identity

Abstract

The interaction between heritage language (HL) and ethnic identity has gained increasing scholarly attention over the past decades. Numerous quantitative studies have investigated and vindicated this interaction within certain contexts. Nevertheless, quantitative evidence on this interaction across contexts is absent to date. The current meta-analysis aims to make a contribution in this regard. By integrating relevant studies, this meta-analysis presents a powerful estimation of the reality in relation to the interaction between HL and ethnic identity. By virtue of certain retrieval strategies and selection criteria, the meta-analysis includes 43 data-sets emerging from 18 studies that have addressed the statistical correlation between the proficiency of HL and the sense of ethnic identity associated with different ethnic groups. When contrasted to one another, the results of these included studies are significantly different. However, when combined together, these studies point to a statistically significant moderate positive correlation between sense of ethnic identity and proficiency of HL across different ethnic groups. This result has a medium effect. The meta-analysis also inspires some methodological and theoretical discussions.

Keywords:

• heritage language proficiency
• ethnic identity
• correlation
• meta-analysis

Acknowledgements

This paper was completed with the precious advice and generous help of Karen Dooley, Catherine Doherty, Paul Shield, Marion Welburn, David Welburn, Cassie Welburn, Weiming Li (李伟明), Shuhuai Mu (穆书淮), and Shizhuo Gui (桂士卓).