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Linguistic Distance, Networks and Migrants’ Regional Location Choice

Author

Listed:
  • Julia Bredtmann

    (RWI, IZA, CReAM)

  • Klaus Nowotny

    (University of Salzburg, Austrian Institute of Economic Research WIFO)

  • Sebastian Otten

    (University College London, CReAM, RWI)

Abstract

This paper analyzes the interaction between migrant networks and linguistic distance in the location choice of migrants to the EU at the regional level. We test the hypothesis that networks and the ability to communicate in the host country language, proxied by linguistic distance, are substitutes in the location decision. Based on individual level data from a special evaluation of the European Labour Force Survey (EU-LFS) and a random utility maximization framework, we find that networks have a positive effect on the location decisions while the effect of linguistic distance is negative. We also find a strong positive interaction effect between the two factors: networks are more important the larger the linguistic distance between the home country and the host region, and the negative effect of linguistic distance is smaller the larger the network size. In several extensions and robustness checks, we show that this substitutable relationship is extremely robust.

Suggested Citation

  • Julia Bredtmann & Klaus Nowotny & Sebastian Otten, 2017. "Linguistic Distance, Networks and Migrants’ Regional Location Choice," RF Berlin - CReAM Discussion Paper Series 1712, Rockwool Foundation Berlin (RF Berlin) - Centre for Research and Analysis of Migration (CReAM).
    • Handle: RePEc:crm:wpaper:1712
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Ekaterina Sprenger, 2024. "What Makes Us Move, What Makes Us Stay: The Role of Language and Culture in Intra-EU Mobility," Journal of International Migration and Integration, Springer, vol. 25(4), pages 1825-1855, December.
    2. Ekaterina Sprenger, 2021. "What makes us move, what makes us stay: The role of culture in intra-EU mobility," SERIES 04-2021, Dipartimento di Economia e Finanza - Università degli Studi di Bari "Aldo Moro", revised Oct 2021.
    3. Michel Beine & Michel Bierlaire & Frédéric Docquier, 2021. "New York, Abu Dhabi, London or Stay at Home? Using a Cross-Nested Logit Model to Identify Complex Substitution Patterns in Migration," LISER Working Paper Series 2021-01, Luxembourg Institute of Socio-Economic Research (LISER).

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Location choice; ethnic networks; linguistic distance; EU migration; multilateral resistance;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • F22 - International Economics - - International Factor Movements and International Business - - - International Migration
    • J61 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Mobility, Unemployment, Vacancies, and Immigrant Workers - - - Geographic Labor Mobility; Immigrant Workers
    • R23 - Urban, Rural, Regional, Real Estate, and Transportation Economics - - Household Analysis - - - Regional Migration; Regional Labor Markets; Population

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