Content area
Abstract
The current study presents an investigation of the Portuguese language use among first generation Brazilian immigrants in Utah County. The research was carried out with 54 first generation immigrants. Several studies have shown that ethnic identity is related to shared cultural characteristics such as practices, beliefs, and languages (Liebkind, 2010; Pennycook, 2010; Reyes, 2010; Souza, 2016). This study explores the relationship between language and ethnic identity by analyzing the attitudes toward the Portuguese language, the contexts and factors that influence language choice, and the purposes for which the Portuguese language has been used by this selected group of immigrants. The results show that Portuguese is part of their daily life, and they teach it to their children to preserve the Brazilian culture. They mostly use the English language in contexts of work, study, religion, and socialization, but keep the Portuguese language at home, as well as to express their feelings and to keep their Brazilian ethnic identity.
