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<p>In multilingual and multiethnic Vietnam, language choice in communication among bilingual or multilingual members of ethnic minorities represents a complex socio-psychological mechanism that is factually driven by various factors. In this regard, this study aimed to construct and test a comprehensive model of the factors driving language choice among Khmer bilinguals in Vietnam. This study employed a mixed-methods design. In the qualitative phase, in-depth interviews with eight Khmer intellectuals and monks were conducted to develop the model. In the quantitative phase, a large-scale survey (<i>n</i>&#xa0;=&#xa0;990) was administered to collect data for testing the hypotheses derived from the model. Structural equation modeling revealed a “dual mechanism” that drives language choice among Khmer bilinguals. Specifically, the choice of Khmer language was primarily driven by cultural identity (β&#xa0;=&#xa0;0.256), whereas the choice of Vietnamese was influenced by language proficiency (β =&#xa0;0.296). These findings not only provide robust evidence for the model of additive bilingualism but also highlight the dynamic nature of this linguistic community. Khmer bilinguals’ language choice behavior is oriented by internal motivations and direct interactions rather than by macro-level social pressures. Accordingly, the study offers key policy implications to support bilingual education and language maintenance initiatives.</p>

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Driving forces behind language choice in communication among Khmer bilinguals in Vietnam

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2026年7月11日

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  • Quoc Hoang

摘要

In multilingual and multiethnic Vietnam, language choice in communication among bilingual or multilingual members of ethnic minorities represents a complex socio-psychological mechanism that is factually driven by various factors. In this regard, this study aimed to construct and test a comprehensive model of the factors driving language choice among Khmer bilinguals in Vietnam. This study employed a mixed-methods design. In the qualitative phase, in-depth interviews with eight Khmer intellectuals and monks were conducted to develop the model. In the quantitative phase, a large-scale survey (n = 990) was administered to collect data for testing the hypotheses derived from the model. Structural equation modeling revealed a “dual mechanism” that drives language choice among Khmer bilinguals. Specifically, the choice of Khmer language was primarily driven by cultural identity (β = 0.256), whereas the choice of Vietnamese was influenced by language proficiency (β = 0.296). These findings not only provide robust evidence for the model of additive bilingualism but also highlight the dynamic nature of this linguistic community. Khmer bilinguals’ language choice behavior is oriented by internal motivations and direct interactions rather than by macro-level social pressures. Accordingly, the study offers key policy implications to support bilingual education and language maintenance initiatives.