Provides a longitudinal interpretation of the 1976 Survey of Income and Education data on the linguistic integration of Hispanic immigrants to the United States. The assumptions required to sustain such an analysis are examined, followed by the presentation of data suggesting that age at time of arrival and length of residence in the US largely explain observed patterns of language shift. The analysis shows that movement to English is extremely rapid, occuring within fifteen years of arrival in the US. Further, most of the younger immigrants make English their preferred personal language. -Author

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cultural anthropology Research Methodology Americas population Communication demography social change Migrants Population Dynamics interpersonal communication Ethnic Groups ethnic group Developed Countries Time Factors Hispanics language USA Hispanic Americans United States Cultural Background North America sociology Acculturation Western Hemisphere cultural factor theoretical model Models, Theoretical Article migration age international migration developed country Age Factors population and population related phenomena Demographic Factors Hispanic immigrants research English language Emigration and Immigration language shift Transients and Migrants Northern America Population Characteristics Culture time