Communication and Adaptation: The Case of Asian Pacific Refugees in the United States
Author(s):
Kim, Young Yun
Format:
Journal article
Citation:
Journal Of Asian Pacific Communication, Volume 1, (1990). pp. 191-207.
Language:
English
Abstract:
The initial adaptation patterns of Cambodian, Laotian, Hmong, & Vietnamese refugees in the US are examined. A theoretical foundation for the study is outlined, based on the hypothesis that the adaptation process is a communication process, & that adaptation to a new & unfamiliar culture necessarily occurs through communication. Data from a survey of Asian Pacific refugees conducted by the State of Ill in 1979 were examined. The survey included questionnaire responses from households (N = 1,777) & a follow-up interview with individuals (N = 84) conducted in 1982. Key variables measured in both studies were English competence, interpersonal communication, host mass communication, psychological health, & functional fitness. Descriptive, relational, & trend analyses were performed. Findings support four hypotheses: (1) values for all the above variables improve over time; (2) the greater the refugee's English competence, the greater his/her participation in host interpersonal & mass communication; (3) the greater the refugee's English competence, the greater his/her psychological health & functional fitness; & (4) the greater the participation in host interpersonal & mass communication activities, the greater his/her psychological health & functional fitness. Tables, Figures, References. Adapted from the source document