Attitudes and beliefs about preserving language as a form of ethnic identity in the Mexican community

Spanish speakers form the largest minority language population in the United States. This study aims to better understand the perceived attitudes and beliefs about preserving the Spanish language as a form of ethnic identity in the Mexican community. This study also explores some of the challenges of preserving ethnic identity in the United States. Sixteen individuals of Mexican-origin currently living in Orange County participated in an open-ended interview. Though participants felt their ethnic language should be preserved, the findings from this study suggest that the Spanish language is not being passed on to future generations in the Mexican community. Speaking Spanish in public resulted in discrimination for many participants. With the continual influx of Mexican immigrants to the United States, special attention should be paid to the facilitation of a culturally sensitive environment where individuals can speak their ethnic language without ridicule or fear.