Latino caregivers’ culture-specific reasons and enacted language practices for raising bilingual children

This explanatory sequential mixed-method study examined how Latino caregivers’ (M age = 33.11; SD age = 5.09; n = 45) cultural values influenced their language practices and reasons for promoting bilingualism in their young children (42-month-olds). Caregivers were interviewed using semi-structured interviews, which was supplemented with language and cultural orientation surveys. Interviews were analyzed as a function of generation status (1st vs. 2nd), with most caregivers identifying as bicultural and bilingual. Thematic analysis of the interviews revealed that caregivers’ reasons for promoting bilingualism were tied to both acculturation (i.e. ties to U.S. culture) and enculturation values (i.e. ties to heritage country), whereas their language practices were tied to enculturation values. Important differences were found in the responses of 1st-and 2nd-generation caregivers, the latter showcasing shared cultures (heritage and U.S.) and languages (Spanish and English) with their U.S.-born children. Findings can inform practice aimed at supporting caregivers in raising bilingual children.