Russian-speaking immigrants’ adaptation in Canada

Abstract

Abstract This article examines acculturation among Russian speakers in Canada focusing on immigration goals achievement, integration, feeling at home in Canada, and self-identity vis-à-vis the participants’ socio-demographic characteristics and language use. The study draws on data from a survey which was completed by 100 native speakers of Russian. The survey included Likert-scale responses and short answers analyzed quantitatively using Pearson correlations and chi-squares. The results indicate that most participants feel well-adjusted in Canada, they view immigration as the right decision and believe they have reached their immigration goals. However, about half of the respondents report experiencing discrimination, and only 20 % consider Canada their true home. In their self-identity expressions, their country of origin is prioritized. Correlations have been observed between the adaptation parameters and self-identity on the one hand, and the length of stay in Canada, participants’ age and age upon immigration, gender, and language use, on the other hand. These findings are crucial for immigrant help centers, ESL teachers, local governments and immigrants themselves (facilitating comparisons with peers’ immigration experiences). The results are interpreted in the light of Acculturation and Linguistic Equilibrium theories.