Oldal 104 [104]
CHAPTER 5 BACKGROUND INFORMATION
In the entire sample, there is a clear separation of participant-related language
use patterns. In descending order of freguency, Hungarian is used when
speaking to parents (3.3), Hungarian friends (3), siblings (2.6), spouses (2.2),
children (1.9), and other relatives in the US (1.7). English, however, is used
in descending order of freguency when speaking to neighbors (3.6), doctors
(3.5), colleagues (clients / school mates) (3.4). The distribution of language
domains shows that Hungarian is used mostly within the family and within
the Hungarian-American community, therefore, it is the language of intra¬
communication, while English is used mostly with Americans, so it is the
language of inter-communication.
Having examined language usage tendencies, significant correlations
between language use tendencies and generational affiliation have been found.
Hungarian is the most frequently used when speaking to parents both among
G1 (3.4) and G2 (3.2) speakers. However, G2 speakers report comparatively
more frequent use of English (2) and mixing (1.4) than G1 speakers (0.1, 0.3,
respectively). A decline in the frequency of Hungarian use can be seen when
speaking to your spouse (G1: 2.7 > G2: 0.5) and children (Gl: 2.3 > G2: 0.6).
Noteworthy, though, that we can see that G2 speakers report a more frequent
use of English (G1: 1 > G2: 0.6 / G1: 1.2 > G2: 0.5) and the mixed language (G1:
0.9 > G2: 0.1 / G1: 0.8 > G2: 0.1). However, this set of data regarding speaking
to your spouse and children should be considered with reservations when
comparing Gl and G2 language use patterns as one-third of G2 speakers are
aged between 8 and 13.
Table 12: Participant-related language use tendencies
In what language do you speak ... ? Hungarian | English Mixed
to your parents 3.3 0.5 0.5
to your spouse 2.2 0.9 0.7
to your children 1.9 1 0.6
to your siblings 2.6 0.5 0.5
to other relatives in the US 1.7 0.9 0.6
to Hungarian friends in the US 3 0.8 0.9
to colleagues / clients / school mates 0.6 3.4 0.2
to neighbors 0.1 3.6 0.1
to your doctor 0.3 3.5 0.1
The most striking difference (1.1) in the frequency of Hungarian use between
the two generations can be detected when speaking to siblings (G1: 2.9 > G2:
* 102 +