Latinx Cultural Cognition: Language, Identity, y todo lo de mas

Language matters to Latinx Americans. To some, it is the defining marker of belonging or claiming Latinidad. To others, language is a reminder of what is lost through forced assimilation. Language is more than just a way of communicating; it is a method of cultural transmission. The role of language in studying Latinx Americans has traditionally only considered English acquisition and how beneficial it is in assimilation to American culture. However, research from our lab has shown that approaching bilingual Latinx individuals in Spanish or English impacts their behaviors, attitudes, and perceptions. In Spanish, the responses you get might be more culturally Latinx; English, might get you more culturally American responses. In this talk, I will review research from the PILAS lab that examines the influence of language on Latinx identity. Then, I will discuss research in our lab that looks at how bilingual language fluency and identity influences executive functioning. Lastly, I will discuss the importance of culturally competent methodology when conducting research with Latinx American samples.