On the move: social and linguistic acculturation in a small society

Abstract

Abstract This study examines the ways in which non-nationals in the Republic of Cyprus perceive the phenomenon of acculturation, and looks at the factors that affect their integration. Our methodology comprised questionnaires and interviews to collect data, which we then interpreted through discourse analysis. Our findings include some expected results; namely, that immigrants’ perception of their status in Cyprus society is largely affected, and mainly negatively, by their degree of fluency in the local language (Greek), as this strongly impacts their social networks and thus opportunities for integration. However, there are other influential factors, such as socioeconomic status, mother tongue (L1) and ethnicity, and a willingness to integrate. Interestingly, the feeling of being integrated is also related to formal procedures, such as having the national citizenship and holding a Cyprus passport.