Adaptation of Syrian migrants to German culture – a case study

Abstract

The article 'Adaptation of Syrian migrants to German culture – a case study' deals with the adaptation to German culture of Syrian refugees who migrated to Germany with the beginning of the migration crisis in 2015. The discussion begins by capturing the relationship between language and culture. This is followed by an attempt to define the concept of culture, taking into account different research perspectives and distinguishing between the concepts of multiculturalism and interculturalism. The research part of the article includes an analysis of interviews conducted in the district of Osnabrück with Syrian refugees. The aim of this research project was to find an answer to the question of whether adaptation to German culture had occurred in the interviewees over a period of seven years and, if so, to what extent. The description and case analysis also offer insights into how German language acquisition took place and how Syrians living in Germany perceive their own and foreign culture.