Communication and cross-cultural adaptation patterns among Asian Indians

Abstract

The Asian-Indian community in the United States has grown rapidly over the past 25 years. Many indicators of cross-cultural adaptation by Asian Indians have been examined. However, a significant gap in the research has been the role of communication in the process of cross-cultural adaptation by Asian Indians. Using Y. Kim's theory of communication and cross-cultural adaptation as a framework, this study examines the relationship between several mass communication and interpersonal communication variables and cross-cultural adaptation among Asian Indians living in the United States. Secondary analysis of data from a sample of 222 Asian-Indian “influentials” indicates, generally, that use of U.S. communication channels contributes to cross-cultural adaptation by Asian Indians, while use of Asian-Indian channels of communication does not. Policy implications of the results and limitations of the study are discussed in the conclusion.