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Is It Possible to Speak English Without Thinking American?: On Globalization and the Determinants of Cultural Assimilation

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  • Chong, Alberto E.

Abstract

Based on research in linguistics and psychology I use language speech as a reflection of acculturation. I use individual and city-level data from the Lake Ontario area in Canada and study the determinants of cultural assimilation. I focus on education, age, income, and in particular, on some variables typically discussed when globalization issues come up, such as immigration, television viewing, borders, and residence history of the individuals. I find that actual contact does matter as a determinant of cultural homogenization. Virtual contact appears to be irrelevant. This finding is robust to changes in specification and to different empirical methods.

Suggested Citation

  • Chong, Alberto E., 2006. "Is It Possible to Speak English Without Thinking American?: On Globalization and the Determinants of Cultural Assimilation," IDB Publications (Working Papers) 1574, Inter-American Development Bank.
    • Handle: RePEc:idb:brikps:1574
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    2. Edward P. Lazear, 1999. "Culture and Language," Journal of Political Economy, University of Chicago Press, vol. 107(S6), pages 95-126, December.
    3. Carolyn L. Evans, 2003. "The Economic Significance of National Border Effects," American Economic Review, American Economic Association, vol. 93(4), pages 1291-1312, September.
    4. Sala-i-Martin, Xavier, 1997. "I Just Ran Two Million Regressions," American Economic Review, American Economic Association, vol. 87(2), pages 178-183, May.
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