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were living at home now. These seven or more children may also be
members of the extended family. The responses to the question of how
many people left Cuba together were fairly evenly distributed across all
alternatives. Seven or more and five to six received more than one-
quarter of the responses each and three to four received 44%. Seventy
percent of the families had family members already in the U.S.; 30%
did not. Although 50% lived near seven or more close relatives and
friends, 26% lived near no close friends or relatives. Answers were
almost evenly distributed in terms of how many relatives or close
friends are spoken to daily. On a weekly basis, seven or more was the
response of 57%. Three people spoke to no relative or close friend
during the week. The responses were almost the same for the question
of close friends and relatives in Florida. Two people indicated they
had no friends or relatives. This series of questions was included
to determine kinship networks. It was anticipated that these networks
would be discussed more in depth during the interviews. One proposition
under consideration was that kinship/friendship networks may have an
influence on the acquisition of English.
None of the parents spoke or read any language other than English
or Spanish. More than 80% of the respondents indicated that they had
either studied English, were currently studying it, or planned to study
it in the future. The most prevalent time for studying English was at
night school, a choice of 39% of the respondents. Everyone indicated
an interest in learning English. Eighteen percent said they had no
time to study.
In terms of language use, more than 90% indicated they generally
or only used Spanish; 60% indicated that their children spoke to them