Exploring the use of Spanish and English in Australia

Abstract

This paper addresses a study with 50 Hispanic-Australians which investigated the use of Spanish and English in Australia. The questionnaire and interview data sources proffer that instead of compensating for linguistic deficiency users utilise strategic use of linguistic and cognitive resources in the appropriation and management of two language systems. This exploratory study examines factors such as background, context, and linguistic elements in order to understand what motivates language contact.