Latinos profesionales de la lengua española en EE UU

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The doctoral dissertation project investigates the current status of the Spanish language in the USA, focusing on variables that contribute to the ethnolinguistic vitality of US LATIN@s in recent decades. Key variables include cultural identity, language knowledge, language use, attitudes, and ideologies, which help illuminate the linguistic patterns among Latin@ ethnic groups. The study specifically targets Latin@ professional language users—journalists, professors, writers, translators, and interpreters—who, due to their roles, are pivotal in shaping future sociolinguistic trends. A significant advantage of this focus is the wealth of existing literature authored by these professionals. However, a critical question arises regarding the validity of their perspectives as representative data on the Spanish language's status in the USA. Their opinions may not transparently reflect actual language use and should be seen as representations rather than behaviors. Additionally, these professionals are not neutral observers; they often have vested interests in language movements and ideologies, which can lead to exaggeration or minimization of their group's ethnolinguistic vitality based on strategic intergroup dynamics. Ultimately, they require a market for their cultural and linguistic products, influencing their portrayal of the language's importance.