Romanian migrant students. A study on use of language and language attitudes

Resumen

The main objective in this doctoral thesis is based on the analysis of the use of language and language attitudes of 131 young Romanians who attended the Romanian Language, Culture and Civilization program in Catalonia. The research uses a mixed method to analyse the main variables that influence the use of language and attitudes. Through the four articles presented, it is contemplated how the identity variables, the length of stay in the host country and language competences affect in those uses and attitudes. Based on a global vision of the results, it was quantitatively identified that attitudes towards Spanish and Romanian are fairly balanced, followed by Catalan with less positive attitudes. Regarding language use, Spanish is the language most often used, but in rural contexts, Catalan is the predominant language, whereas the Romanian is relegated to the private sphere and in danger of being replaced by Spanish and Catalan. However, at a qualitative sphere we recognize the emotional bond with their mother tongue, making high use within their family context and demonstrating positive language attitudes. Spanish acquires a social and international value obtaining the most positive attitudes and the highest use. Catalan also obtains social and academic and progress value, emphasizing the impact of its use on social integration in this context. Finally, the theoretical and contextual implications of these results are discussed.