The role of immigrant, English language learners in transitioning to the United States: language, community and becoming an American.

Permanent URL: http://hdl.handle.net/2047/D20315079
Title:
The role of immigrant, English language learners in transitioning to the United States : language, community and becoming an American
Creator:
Proulx, David (Author)
Contributor:
Thompson, Dr. Corliss (Advisor)
Conn, Dr. Kelly (Committee member)
Christian, Dr. Warren (Committee member)
Language:
English
Publisher:
Boston, Massachusetts : Northeastern University, 2018
Date Accepted:
August 2018
Date Awarded:
September 2018
Type of resource:
Text
Genre:
Dissertations
Format:
electronic
Digital origin:
born digital
Abstract/Description:
Abstract This interpretive phenomenological analysis (IPA) studied the acculturation experiences of six adult immigrant students who were enrolled in a local community college adult basic education (ABE) program. The main study question was seeking how adult (ESOL) students perceive themselves and their overall position in mainstream American society. Allport's Intergroup Contact Theory was used as a guide and lens in seeking answers to the research questions. Allport's theory posited that under certain circumstances and conditions, groups who previously held animosity or misperceptions toward each other would develop more positive relations through their social contact. The ensuing data collected through semi-structured interviews was broken into five superordinate categories: 1) The Importance and Necessity of Learning English; 2) Feeling Accepted, Respected, and Fitting In; 3) The Opportunity for a Better Life; 4) The Importance of Freedom, Equality, and Safety; 5) The Importance of the Adult School Community. The study findings demonstrate the importance of ABE programs for immigrants arriving as well as educating the public about the process of immigrant acculturation. The findings can be of use for public officials, policy makers and school administrators as a way to develop effective and humane policies to aid immigrants so they can become healthy productive members of American society. Keywords: acculturation, prejudice, integration, adult basic education, immigration
Subjects and keywords:
Acculturation
Adult Basic Education
Immigrant Education
Adult education
Educational sociology
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17760/D20315079
Permanent URL:
http://hdl.handle.net/2047/D20315079
Use and reproduction:
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