Abstract
The goal of this four-part paper has been to formulate a framework towards understanding the relationship of language and identity in multiracial individuals. A bilingual person's identity is defined by who he or she is through social interaction with others, through how they are categorized and understood by others, and possibly through how much a multilingual person may or may not internalize the views of others. Identity and language as it relates to multiracial and multilingual individuals encompasses the full range of complexity of the human experience and is contingent upon various factors such as the family, community, social perception, physical appearance, and language. A multiracial individual's sense of self, the factors that have influenced the development of that person's identity, and their life experiences vary uniquely. Such an individual may identify with one or another group of his or her heritage and may possess a multiracial identity having fluid and situational qualities. A multiracial person's acceptance of their complex, fluid, and multiple identities and the sense of balance within themselves does not automatically mean that all their racial, ethnic, and cultural heritages are equally proportionate and are valued in commensurate ways. Language should be considered as the vital component to the identity of multiracial individuals because it can be symbolic of identity, is the basis of social interaction, and to a large degree, determines the range and intimacy of social relationships, is relevant to education and opportunities in the world, and interweaves the social and personal identity. As such, it is hoped that we have made progress towards a new framework that will enable educators, policy makers, parents, and others to see and accept multiracial individuals in their multiplicity and complexity; in essence, validating multiracial individuals for who they are and who they can become.
