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Language proficiency and labour market performance of immigrants in the UK†
Article first published online: 10 JUL 2003
DOI: 10.1111/1468-0297.t01-1-00151
Additional Information
How to Cite
Dustmann, C. and Fabbri, F. (2003), Language proficiency and labour market performance of immigrants in the UK. The Economic Journal, 113: 695–717. doi: 10.1111/1468-0297.t01-1-00151
Publication History
- Issue published online: 10 JUL 2003
- Article first published online: 10 JUL 2003
- Date of receipt of first submission: March 2000 Date of receipt of final typescript: May 2002
- Abstract
- Article
- References
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This paper uses two recent UK surveys to investigate the determinants of language proficiency and the effect of language on earnings and employment probabilities of non-white immigrants. We address the problem of endogenous choice of language acquisition and measurement error in language variables. Our results show that language acquisition, employment probabilities, as well as earnings differ widely across non-white immigrants, according to their ethnic origin. Language proficiency has a positive effect on employment probabilities, and lack of English fluency leads to earning losses.