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Language skills and migrant entrepreneurship: evidence from China

Author

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  • Xiahai Wei

    (Huaqiao University)

  • Yang Jiao

    (Fort Hays State University)

  • Glenn Growe

    (Fort Hays State University)

Abstract

Business ownership constitutes a vital part of the economy. While many of the determinants of entrepreneurship have been intensively studied, the link between language proficiency and entrepreneurship has not. Using the Migrant Dynamics Monitoring Survey, this paper studies the importance of language skills for migrant entrepreneurship. We find that migrants who can understand and fluently speak the local dialect are more likely to become entrepreneurs. The effect of language on entrepreneurship is more pronounced in the urban fringe, towns, and rural areas, and especially where individuals migrate across different dialectal regions. Gaining local dialect skills influences positively the decision to become either a necessity- or an opportunity-driven entrepreneur.

Suggested Citation

  • Xiahai Wei & Yang Jiao & Glenn Growe, 2019. "Language skills and migrant entrepreneurship: evidence from China," Small Business Economics, Springer, vol. 53(4), pages 981-999, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:kap:sbusec:v:53:y:2019:i:4:d:10.1007_s11187-018-0105-6
    DOI: 10.1007/s11187-018-0105-6
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    2. Maribel Guerrero & Roseline Wanjiru, 2021. "Entrepreneurial migrants from/in emerging economies: breaking taboos and stereotypes," International Entrepreneurship and Management Journal, Springer, vol. 17(2), pages 477-506, June.
    3. Joan Martín-Montaner & Francisco Requena & Guadalupe Serrano, 2024. "The role of regional languages in the integration of migrants in the Spanish labour market," Working Papers 2404, Department of Applied Economics II, Universidad de Valencia.
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    5. Sinkovics, Noemi & Reuber, A. Rebecca, 2021. "Beyond disciplinary silos: A systematic analysis of the migrant entrepreneurship literature," Journal of World Business, Elsevier, vol. 56(4).
    6. Cheng, Zhiming & Smyth, Russell, 2021. "Education and migrant entrepreneurship in urban China," Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization, Elsevier, vol. 188(C), pages 506-529.
    7. Zou, Na & Storz, Cornelia, 2023. "Why do some entrepreneurs thrive? A network content perspective," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 161(C).

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