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Can Bilingualism be Dynamically Stable? A Simple Model of Language Choice

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  • Bengt-Arne Wickström

Abstract

A model is developed in which parents choose the language or languages in which their children are brought up. Their choice of language community into which children are socialized depends both on the practical value of the language as a means of communication and on the emotional attachment of the parents to the language as a carrier of cultural identity. In the model, two languages are considered, and children can be brought up as monoglots or bilinguals, that is be socialized into both linguistic communities. The dynamic structure of the model is investigated and dynamically stable equilibria are characterized. It is shown that the behavior of bilingual parents is the crucial factor in determining the survival chances of bilingualism in society.

Suggested Citation

  • Bengt-Arne Wickström, 1998. "Can Bilingualism be Dynamically Stable? A Simple Model of Language Choice," CESifo Working Paper Series 158, CESifo.
    • Handle: RePEc:ces:ceswps:_158
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Jeffrey Church & Ian King, 1993. "Bilingualism and Network Externalities," Canadian Journal of Economics, Canadian Economics Association, vol. 26(2), pages 337-345, May.
    2. Goyal, Sanjeev & Janssen, Maarten C. W., 1997. "Non-Exclusive Conventions and Social Coordination," Journal of Economic Theory, Elsevier, vol. 77(1), pages 34-57, November.
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    JEL classification:

    • Z10 - Other Special Topics - - Cultural Economics - - - General

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