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St 13.05.2015

Mariola Pytliková, Ph.D. (Technical U. of Ostrava) “The Role of Language in Shaping International Migration”

Mariola Pytliková, Ph.D.

Technical University of Ostrava, Czech Republic

Authors: Alícia Adserà and Mariola Pytliková

Abstract: This paper examines the importance of language in international migration from multiple angles by studying the role of linguistic proximity, widely spoken languages, linguistic enclaves and language-based immigration policy requirements. To this aim we collect a unique dataset on immigration flows and stocks in 30 OECD destinations from all world countries over the period 1980–2010, and construct a set of linguistic proximity measures. Migration rates increase with linguistic proximity and with English at destination. Softer linguistic requirements for naturalization and larger linguistic communities at destination encourage more migrants to move. Linguistic proximity matters less when local linguistic network are larger.

JEL Classification: F22, J61, O15

Full Text:  “The Role of Language in Shaping International Migration”