Speaking in Tongues: Language as both Human Capital and Ethnicity

K. Pendakur and R. Pendakur
Authors registered in the RePEc Author Service: Krishna Pendakur

Discussion Papers from Department of Economics, Simon Fraser University

Abstract: We estimate earnings differentials for knowledge of 13 minority languages in Canada's three largest urban areas. We find that conditional on knowledge of a majority language, knowledge of a minority language is associated with lower earnings. However, the negative differential diminishes for those languages with large local populations. This suggests a positive human capital effect which is for the most part swamped by a negative factor. We argue that this factor is a reflection of ethnicity operating either through ethno-linguistic labour market enclaves or labour market discrimination against minorities.

Keywords: LANGUAGES; HUMAN CAPITAL; ETHNIC GROUPS (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: J15 Z00 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Pages: 26 pages
Date: 1999
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (2)

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