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PAPER – In between two worlds: Colombian migrants negotiating identity, acculturation, and settlement in Melbourne

By May 6, 2020July 20th, 2020Published Papers

New paper in Qualitative Research by CIDRN by Margarita Fierro Hernandez and Christopher C. Sonn

Abstract

Latin American immigration experiences have been documented in terms of acculturation, settlement and belonging. While there is an increase in research interest, there is a need to recognise the diversity of the Latin American region, as well as within countries, in terms of culture, history, and histories of colonialism. This exploratory qualitative work examines the experiences of 15 Colombian immigrants living in Melbourne, Australia and considers implications for identity, acculturation and settlement. Thematic analysis of in depth-interviews generated three themes that represent their acculturation and settlement: identity negotiation between home and homeland, constructing Colombian identity in Australia and navigating barriers to settlement. Migration was mainly experienced as a loss and represented as a negotiation between home country and host country where the structures of support were crucial in making home in Australia. This has shed light on the meanings, expectations and challenges associated with the migration process to Australia. This analysis reveals how accents, cultural values, and discrimination play a role in the ways Colombians construct and negotiate identity and settlement in Australia.

Citation

Hernandez, M. F., & Sonn, C. C. (2019). In between two worlds: Colombian migrants negotiating identity, acculturation, and settlement in Melbourne Australia. The Australian Community Psychologist, 30(1), 65-80.

Link to Full Article