Parents, migrant domestic workers and children's speaking of a second language: Evidence from Hong Kong

Abstract

This paper explores the effects of different language home environments provided by English-speaking and non-English-speaking migrant domestic workers (MDW) on Hong Kong children's ability to speak English. Results show that English-speaking MDW in working-mother households increase children's likelihood of speaking English by 12% if the mother in the household does not speak English but by 25% if the mother in the household is capable of speaking English. Non-English-speaking MDW, however, are found to have little such effects. Age and education are two qualities of English-speaking MDW that are significantly associated with improvements in children's English-speaking ability and their English school subject.