Two relationships, one family: Comparing parent-child bonds in immigrant families through language brokering in the family system

Abstract

Intra-Family Language Brokering (IFLB) occurs when children of immigrant families translate conversations between family members (e.g. a child translates between their Spanish speaking parent and their limited Spanish speaking sibling) (Leon Cartagena et al, 2024). Often this is due to language attrition in youth cause by English only expectations at school and in the host country. The consequences of language brokering in children have been documented only in external contexts such as in the bank and stores but only two journal articles have mentioned the presence of IFLB in immigrant families. Language brokering positions children in very influential roles in families, roles that may or may not be developmentally appropriate (Tse, 1995b).parents, but. Children who serve as language brokers not only translate and interpret language for their parents but also may be expected to interpret the subtle often-subtle cultural norms that are part of the interactions of families (cite). This research investigates the relationship between parents and their translating children (language brokers or LB) and their children who need translation (NLB). Through qualitative interviews with Spanish-speaking parents and both of their children (NLB and LB) we explore how these distinct roles influence emotional bonds, communication patterns, and family dynamics. These findings reveal that the translating child (LB) often assumes increased responsibility and emotional overload leading to role reversal, however it can also lead to a stronger bond with their parent. In contrast, the child who needs translation (NLB) may experience a sense of distance from the parent due to the language barriers between them potentially affecting emotional closeness and parental authority. The study highlights the complex interplay between language, culture, and family relationships, offering insights into how translation roles shape sibling dynamics and parental connections. By comparing these two relationships, this research underscores the importance of supporting bilingualism and fostering equitable family communication to strengthen bonds across generations. The poster presentation will visually illustrate these comparisons, emphasizing the emotional and relational consequences of language roles within the family unit.Oklahoma Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation ProgramEducation and Human Science