Language and Identity: Haitians in New York City

Abstract

Like other newcomers to American society, Haitians resettling in New York City have experienced conflicts over social identity and status. It is the contention of this article that Haitians express these conflicts in their controversies over language usage. The argument is presented through an analysis of a dispute over the primary language — Haitian Creole or French — to be used in the Catholic Mass conducted at a Brooklyn church. The language issue also serves as a vehicle for debate over leadership within the Haitian milieu and representation within American society.