Linguistic Adaptation and Cognitive Function in Older Chinese and Korean Immigrants in the United States: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Objectives

To examine the cross-sectional association of linguistic adaptation with cognitive function, as well as its interactions with sociodemographic and health profiles in older Chinese and Korean immigrants in the U.S.

Methods

Using harmonized data (N = 5063) from the Population Study of Chinese Elderly (PINE) and the Study of Older Korean Americans (SOKA), we examined between- and within-group differences in the role of linguistic adaptation (English use in older Chinese Americans and English proficiency in older Korean Americans) in cognitive function.

Results

The positive association between linguistic adaptation and cognitive function was common in both groups. We also found that the relationship was pronounced among subgroups with the underlying linguistic and cognitive vulnerabilities (i.e., the very old, women, those with low education, and newly immigrated individuals).

Discussion

Findings show the importance of linguistic adaptation in older immigrants’ cognitive health and suggest a need for targeted interventions for high-risk groups.

Keywords

english proficiency linguistic adaptation acculturation cognitive function older immigrants asian americans

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