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Language Proficiency and Subjective Well-being: Evidence from Immigrants in Australia

Author

Listed:
  • Jongkwan Lee

    (Ewha Womans University)

  • Anthony Niu

    (University of Melbourne)

  • Hee-Seung Yang

    (Yonsei University)

Abstract

This study examines the relationship between language proficiency and subjective well-being among the first-generation immigrants in Australia. To address endogeneity-related concerns, we use the age at arrival and country of origin as an instrument for English proficiency. Our results show that greater proficiency in English significantly improves self-reported mental health and life satisfaction. These impacts are pronounced among subgroups of males, highly educated individuals, and older immigrants who have lived in Australia for over 30 years. Our mediation analysis suggests that physical health is one of the most important channels through which immigrants’ destination-language acquisition affects their subjective well-being.

Suggested Citation

  • Jongkwan Lee & Anthony Niu & Hee-Seung Yang, 2022. "Language Proficiency and Subjective Well-being: Evidence from Immigrants in Australia," Journal of Happiness Studies, Springer, vol. 23(5), pages 1847-1866, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:jhappi:v:23:y:2022:i:5:d:10.1007_s10902-021-00474-2
    DOI: 10.1007/s10902-021-00474-2
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    References listed on IDEAS

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