Domains of Use and Self-Reported Proficiency: A Comparative Study of Heritage Spanish Speakers across Two University Campuses

Authors

• Sara Castro Cantú, Loyola University MarylandFollow
• Salvatore Callesano, University of Illinois, Urbana-ChampaignFollow

Abstract

This study takes a sociolinguistic approach to exploring self-rated proficiency of Latinx, heritage Spanish speakers in Illinois. Recent studies show how dominant discourses around Spanish-English bilingualism and the educational environment in higher education institutions shape Latinx speakers’ self-perceptions of proficiency. We specifically investigate and compare two groups of college students from Chicago: students who attend a large public Predominantly-white institution in central Illinois, and students who attend a large public Hispanic-Serving institution in the heart of Chicago. Students completed an online survey about their language histories and linguistic profiles. Descriptive correlation analyses are presented that examine the relationships between self-reported proficiency, each campus, language domains, and language attitudes. While results show nearly identical patterns of self-reported proficiency across the two campuses, variations among proficiency and different domains of use are discussed. This work has theoretical implications for current discussions regarding domains of use and language, and considers the complexities of institutional support for speakers of minoritized languages and language varieties.

Recommended Citation

Castro Cantú, Sara and Callesano, Salvatore (2025) "Domains of Use and Self-Reported Proficiency: A Comparative Study of Heritage Spanish Speakers across Two University Campuses," International Journal of the Linguistic Association of the Southwest: Vol. 44: No. 1, Article 5.
Available at: https://engagedscholarship.csuohio.edu/ijlasw/vol44/iss1/5