Abstract:
Existing literature suggests that immigrant residents’ acculturation process is affected by both internal
and external factors that are in conflict with those of the host culture. The purpose of this study is to
explore the factors that affect the acculturation of immigrant population living in transnational
communities in China. Data collection included more than 80H of community participatory
observation and 50 interviews in total. Respondents were 50 immigrant residents living in transnational
communities in Yiwu, China. The analysis finds that individual factors including gender, cultural
identity, the timing of their immigration, Chinese language proficiency, personal goals, and
expectations have a significant impact on the acculturation of immigrant residents. Meanwhile, social
factors such as community support, social support, values of residents also have a significant impact
on the acculturation of immigrants. The findings represent an in-depth consideration of the
acculturation process of the immigrant residents and can therefore be seen as an important step in
developing an understanding of the influencing factors that characterize the acculturation of the immigrant
population in China. |
