Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Abstract: Latino adolescents watch more television than White peers and are disproportionately affected by teen births. This study catalogues sexual content prevalence in Spanish- and English-language television programs popular among Latino adolescents. Sexual content was ubiquitous, although sexual risk/responsibility was rare. Moreover, differences for specific subtypes of sexual content existed between English- and Spanish-language scenes. Health interventions, therefore, should teach Latino youth media literacy skills related to how sex is depicted in Spanish- and English-language programs.

Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Review Method: Peer Reviewed
Abstract: The main purpose of this ethnographic study was to explore language usage and communication patterns of both teachers and students in English language institute. In addition, the differences between class taught by the native English teachers and class taught by a non-native English teacher were examined. All data were obtained from in-depth interviews and observations, and qualitatively analyzed by using domain, taxonomic and componential analyses. Results indicated that communicative rules in school and teachers’ ethnicity were the major factors that influenced students’ communication both inside and outside the classroom. Also, the styles of a teacher who is a non-native English speaker tended to be the most preferred style by the students.

Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Review Method: Peer Reviewed
Abstract: Globalization cannot be discussed without dealing with the notions of nation, culture, and identity. Globalization both homogenizes and heterogenizes the world. The hegemony of the English language is tightly connected with the globalization process and creates tension, intensification, and modification in people’s national identity. In January 2000, an advisory commission to the late Japanese Prime Minister Obuchi published a report in which they suggested that English be adopted as the second official language of Japan. The proposal triggered heated debates among Japanese people. Using a critical discourse analysis approach, the present paper explores how Japanese people express their national identity through an examination of the opinions posted on a Japanese national newspaper’s website.

Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Abstract: Objective. In recent years, immigration has become a central focus of political scrutiny. Much of the negativity directed towards the largely Mexican immigrant population asserts that they do not wish to learn English and acclimate to the dominant culture of the US. Very little research, however, has explored how Mexican immigrants or Mexican Americans assess the value of English proficiency. Methods. Utilizing the Survey of Texas Adults, we examine attitudes regarding the importance of English. We explore the attitudes of Mexican-origin persons compared to other racial/ethnic groups, as well as explore within-group differences based on citizenship, Texas-nativity, and language use. Results. Our findings reveal the relatively high importance that Spanish-speakers and non-US citizen Mexican immigrants place on English proficiency. Furthermore, results indicate that Spanish-speakers are actually most likely to stress the importance of English. Conclusions. Our research counters the rampant myth that the largely Spanish-speaking Mexican immigrant population does not value the English language.

Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Abstract: This presentation will attempt to link findings from a research study focusing on the experiences of bilingual/bicultural Hispanic preservice teachers in a Midwestern teacher education program with sociocultural theories of teaching and learning and the practical (yet always political) role of standards and assessment practices in "mainstream" English language arts classrooms.