The Effect of Native Language on Internet Usage

Neil Gandal

No 3633, CEPR Discussion Papers from Centre for Economic Policy Research

Abstract: In this Paper, I explore the relationship between native language and use of the Internet and examine whether English is likely to retain its first-mover advantage of a large installed base of English language websites. I study this issue empirically using a unique dataset on (home) Internet use at the individual level in Quebec from Media Metrix. The results suggest that English language websites are less of a barrier for French-speaking youths than for French-speaking adults in Quebec. To the extent that the younger generation drives the dynamics of the Internet, the results provide some support for the hypothesis that English will retain its first mover advantage of a large installed base of English language websites. I also examine the effect of bilingualism on Internet use and find that among native French speakers, bilingual individuals use English language websites significantly more than their monolingual counterparts.

Keywords: Internet use; Network effects; Language (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: D12 L86 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2002-11
New Economics Papers: this item is included in nep-net
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