Language-Related Criteria as Determinants of Ethnicity. Goals and Results of a Feasibility Study in the Netherlands.

This paper addresses the potential value of language-related criteria for use in identifying ethnic minorities in the Netherlands. A description of the way the Dutch government defines ethnic minority groups is followed by a comparative outline of the use of language-related criteria in countries with a longer tradition of immigration (Australia, Canada, the United States, Great Britain, and Sweden). A study carried out in 1991 in the Netherlands explored both the feasibility of collecting data on home language use of school children (a survey study) and the value of home language-related criteria as possible determinants of ethnicity (a validation study). The survey study yielded questionnaire data on the ethnicity of 5,788 primary school students. Subject groups were identified as Mediterranean (Moroccan and Turkish children) and ex-colonial (Surinamese, Antillean, and Moloccuan children) for the validation study, in which they were interviewed in Turkish, Arabic, or Berber and were given a bilingual receptive vocabulary test. The results of the survey support the usefulness of five criteria (home language use, language proficiency, language choice, language dominance, and language preference) in the identification of children belonging to different ethnic groups. The validation study showed a high stability and consistency of home language use, language proficiency, and language choice. (Contains 24 references.) (JP)