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Parents, Migrant Domestic Workers, and Children’s Speaking of a Second Language: Evidence from Hong Kong

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  • Sam Hak Kan Tang

    (Business School, University of Western Australia)

Abstract

This paper explores the effects of different language home environments provided by English-speaking and non-English-speaking migrant domestic workers (MDWs) on Hong Kong children’s ability to speak English. To isolate MDWs’ language effect from parental and family effects, I use between-siblings comparisons and an empirical model of language acquisition. Results from between-siblings comparisons reveal a clear sign for the positive language effect of English-speaking MDWs. Estimates of the language acquisition model show that a child who is cared for by an English-speaking MDW and who has a bilingual mother is 45 percent more likely to speak English.

Suggested Citation

  • Sam Hak Kan Tang, 2015. "Parents, Migrant Domestic Workers, and Children’s Speaking of a Second Language: Evidence from Hong Kong," Economics Discussion / Working Papers 15-04, The University of Western Australia, Department of Economics.
    • Handle: RePEc:uwa:wpaper:15-04
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    File URL: https://ecompapers.biz.uwa.edu.au/paper/PDF%20of%20Discussion%20Papers/2015/15.04%20Tang%2C%20S.%20-%20%20PARENTS%2C%20MIGRANT%20DOMESTIC%20WORKERS%20AND%20CHILDREN%E2%80%99S%20SPEAKING%20OF%20A%20SECOND%20LANGUAGE%20-%20EVIDENCE%20FROM%20HONG%20KONG.pdf
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