Ethnic Identity Formation Research Articles

Ethnic identity construction through multimodal linguistic landscape at Ban Arunotai in Thailand

ABSTRACT Thailand is a country where ethnic diversity and multilingualism are deeply embedded in the cultural landscape, and understanding the construction of ethnic identity provides crucial insights into its social dynamics. This study investigates how ethnic identities are constructed and negotiated through multimodal resources within the linguistic landscape of Ban Arunotai, a multiethnic village in Chiang Mai. Utilizing a comprehensive multimodal framework, the research analyzes how public signage combines linguistic, visual, auditory, and spatial elements to articulate and reshape identity. The findings reveal a hierarchical structure of languages and modes, where dominant languages are visually prioritized, while minority languages serve more localized, symbolic functions. Moreover, a shift from static, monolingual systems to fluid, multilingual repertoires among speakers reflects broader sociocultural changes shaped by translanguaging practices. By framing public signs as dynamic resources in the active formation and reinforcement of ethnic identities, this study offers significant implications for understanding identity politics and social integration in multilingual settings.

Methodological analysis of theories of the concept of nation

This article provides a comprehensive overview of the main theoretical frameworks, taking a deeper look at theories related to the understanding of the issue of nationhood. Concepts and works of scientists who founded this concept were distinguished. Various perspectives on the formation of ethnic identity in modern societywere explored.Because the nation is a complex and multifaceted structure that includes various disciplines and has attracted the attention of researchers. Any kind of understanding of the problem of the nation creates certain methodological difficulties during its research. It is important to compare the ways of understanding it and to identify the relevant points of view.The article analyzes the approaches of primordialism, constructivism and instrumentalism. And in the course of the discussion, theories that offer opposing views on ethnic identities will be discussed. Through this multidimensional analysis, the article attempts to provide a comprehensive account of the study of ethnic identity.Combining insights from various theoretical perspectives, it offers insights into the dynamic nature of ethnic identities and their relationship to social cohesion and cultural diversity in contemporary societies. The importance of combining different theories for a comprehensive understanding of the nation is emphasized and recommendations are made for developing an appreciation of cultural diversity

Mapuche women in the city: celebrating their process of ethnogenesis

ABSTRACT The article examines how urban Mapuche women co-construct discourses about their ethnogenesis process through evaluations and dialogical positioning. The methodology is qualitative with an interpretive design. The collection method was a focus group in which four urban Mapuche women between 25 and 55 years old participated. The analysis was conducted from a Critical Discourse Studies approach that integrates sociopolitical studies of Mapuche history and decolonial perspectives on the formation of ethnic identity, with the analytical tools of the appraisal system within the Systemic Functional Linguistics theoretical framework. The study focuses on the intersubjective meanings of the attitude and engagement to identify evaluations, positions, and voices present in this discursive construction. The results indicate that participants develop discursive strategies of ‘counter-racialization’ to respond to the ‘racialization’ that has shaped their lives. The discursive strategies are collectively constructed through different evaluative micro-maneuvers that are realized in the discursive semantic stratum as couplings of areas of attitude: affect/judgement and affect/appreciation and couplings of the attitude/engagement meanings. Through these discursive strategies, these women re-signify and celebrate their Mapuche identity by embodying a new symbolic territory that allows them to carry their ancestors and spiritual world.

The Discursive Formation of Ethnic Subjectivities and Identities in Popular Romance

The Discursive Formation of Ethnic Subjectivities and Identities in Popular Romance

Do Ethnic Identity, Familial, and Community Contexts Impact the Association Between Adverse Childhood Experiences and Psychopathology Among Latinx Adolescents?

Few studies have explored the interplay of how individual identity, parental, familial, and contextual factors impact associations between Latinx adolescent adversities and psychopathology. This study aimed to examine whether these factors mediate the relationship between adversities and psychopathology in Latinx youth. Latinx youth (n= 2,411) data from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) Study were used to examine path models with adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) as the predictor and either youth- or caregiver-rated internalizing/externalizing scores over 4 timepoints as the outcome (ages 9-13 years). Models examined 3 potential mediators: (1) ethnic identity, (2) familial context (comprising parental monitoring, family conflict, and caregiver acceptance), and (3) community cohesion. Models were conducted separately for internalizing and externalizing symptoms. Greater adversity was associated with greater youth- and caregiver-rated internalizing/externalizing psychopathology over time. Greater adversity was associated with lower family functioning and lower ethnic identity, and greater family functioning was associated with lower psychopathology. Family functioning mediated associations between adversity and psychopathology over time (youth-reported internalizing: 95% CI= 0.012-0.019; youth-reported externalizing: 95% CI= 0.020-0.028). In contrast, there was not strong evidence for ethnic identity and community cohesion mediating associations between adversities and psychopathology over time. Unlike previous studies, ethnic identity did not influence the relationship between ACEs and psychopathology over time. Additional research is needed to identify whether possible tensions rise as Latinx youth acculturate into US culture and achieve optimal levels of ethnic identity formation. Providers need to assess specific Latinx parental and familial contexts that may interfere with youth identity formation.

Constructing ethnic consciousness: the role of cultural heritage in Malaysia

ABSTRACT The Chinese community’s unique position in Malaysian inter-ethnic relations weaves through intricate interactions with other ethnic groups, maintaining distinct cultural identities amidst Malaysia’s diverse ethnic fabric. This study explores the intricate relationship between ethnic consciousness and cultural heritage among Malaysian Chinese people, examining, within a historical context, how this community maintains its distinct identity within a multi-ethnic society. Utilizing focus group discussions (FGDs) with Chinese independent schools (CIS) students, the study delves into their identity perceptions, influenced by both “authority-defined” and “everyday-defined” social realities. The findings reveal how cultural heritage, particularly through lion dance activities, reinforces ethnic consciousness while contributing to a broader national identity. This study elucidates the complex dynamics of ethnic identity formation in a multicultural context and advocates for an inclusive heritage management. Such an approach fosters dialogue, respects diversity, and enhances our understanding of the role of heritage in shaping a cohesive, multicultural society.

An ethnographic study of Vietnamese-Ukrainian identity

ABSTRACT Vietnamese Ukrainians are a largely unstudied identity group that has recently attracted attention due to the impacts of the Russo-Ukrainian War. Our study examines Vietnamese-Ukrainian bicultural identity as experienced by 10 university student refugees of the war in 2022–23. Researchers conducted semi-structured ethnographic interviews in which each participant examined identity formation experiences as second-generation Vietnamese Ukrainians. Participants also reflected upon the impacts to ethnic identity self-awareness that resulted from their unexpected return migration to Vietnam as student refugees of war. The cohort of study participants created a tight-knit Vietnamese-Ukrainian return diaspora in an environment conducive to self-reflection and exploration of their ongoing ethnic identity journeys. In our study, we argue that the ethnic identity formation of young Vietnamese Ukrainians relies on the active construction of intercultural personhood as an adaptation to transnational mobility and change.

Restored Behaviour and the Formation of Ethnic Identity: Critiquing the Rai Youths’ Sakela

This paper examines four YouTube videos on Sakela, a dance performance of the Rai community, in two major contexts: enormous shifts and deviations in the performances of youths and the signature of unique ethnic identity. Sakela in its primitive art form of Rai culture has a ritual connection with the transcendent forces for human health and agriculture. However, there have been many deviations and changes in its highly contextualized aesthetic manifestations like festive performances, ceremonial presentations, recreational activities, political demonstrations or urban, and diasporic discourses. Against this backdrop, the paper addresses the primary questions of why these performances recur in different forms and what role the restoration of behaviour plays in forming the ethnic identity. The study approaches these questions with the objectives of analyzing the restored behaviour in the Rai youths’ Sakela and identifying the performances as preserving the signature of ethnic identity. The examination of primary data in the qualitative study includes the analysis of selected YouTube video contents comprising Sakela performances, using the content analysis method. Primary data are selected to quantify the phenomena of Rai youths’ restored behaviours in Sakela dance, their cultural meanings, and their relationships to ethnic identity. To validate the collected data, the study draws theoretical insights from Richard Schechner’s theory of restored behaviour. Schechner's theory promulgates that people are always performing anew out of old in a continual rehearsal. The behaviour is replicated and thus performances gradually emerge. Such behaviors ranging from small gestures to ritualistic performances become part of lives but they are no longer sticking to the original source. Pursuant to this conceptual framework, the paper argues that Rai youths’ Sakela demonstrates the signs of restored behaviour, the symbolic and coded aspects of their culture. It also posits that embodied ethnic traits evident in the performance ensure the persistence of membership in their community. Thus, Sakela continues to be the signature of ethnic belief system and unique identity in the lives of Rai youths. In all its aspects of the repetition of never the same, the embodiment of ethnic identity keeps on sticking to youths’ Sakela.

The Relationship Between Language and The Creation of Ethnic Identities of Tai Loei in The Northeastern of Thailand

This research paper aims to study the relationship between language and the ethnic identity formation process of Tai Loei people in northeastern Thailand by applying the study of language and identity framework as the key concepts for analysing the language data of Tai Loei people used in daily communication and the Tai Loei language data contained in written documents. The study results showed that 1) the characteristics of the sound of Loei ethnic groups have syllable structures as follows: (1) CVT, 2) CVCT, 3) CV:T, 4) CV:CT, 5) CVVT, 6) CVVCT, and 7) CCV:CT.The phonemes of Tai Loei appear in 3 phonemes, which are consonant phonemes, vowel phonemes, and tone phonemes. However, the researcher found that the end of the word, according to Thai grammar, is an adverb such as “Na,” while Tai Loei uses the words “Ko” and “Unneaw”. As for the issue of the ethnic identity of the Tai Loei people, the history of the city is found in relation to the Tai Loei ethnic language, traditions, and cultures, which contain myths, tales, and stories. The ethnic identity of the Tai Loei people was found to be 1) the ethnic group name “Tai Loei,”The name of goods and services with the expression of the ethnic identity of Tai Loei people 3) The naming of the Red Cross Festival and the expression of ethnic identity of Tai Loei people. In terms of communication ethnography in the comedy show in Isan (speak Tai Loei), the communication events of ethnic groups in the social space are observed. The communication content and the sequence of the speech in terms of the presentation of Tai Loei representations in the cultural society from the traditions, language, and media interestingly show the dimension of the relationship between language and the establishment of the ethnic identity of Tai Loei people in the Thailand area.

A model for the formation of ethnic and cultural identity of rural school students in the process of project activities

The article examines the problems of modern Russian education related to the formation of the ethno-cultural identity of students, defines a model for the formation of the ethno-cultural identity of students in rural schools in the process of project activities. A theoretical analysis of the concept of ethno-cultural identity is carried out, a comparative characteristic of such categories as national identity, social identity, ethnic identity, socio-cultural identity and ethno-cultural identity. The structure of the phenomenon of ethnocultural identity is determined, in which value-oriented, cognitive, emotional-evaluative and behavioral components are distinguished. The article analyzes the mass experience of the formation of ethnocultural identity among children and youth, which at this stage of the development of pedagogical practice is characterized by the lack of systematic activities aimed at the formation of ethnocultural identity of students in institutions of basic and additional education, as well as fragmentation. A model of the formation of the ethno-cultural identity of rural school students in the process of project activity is proposed and the main substantive stages of its implementation are determined.

ROLES AND PLACE OF WOMEN IN ETHNIC GROUPS IN THE FORMATION OF SOCIAL IDENTITY: RESEARCH METHODOLOGY AND DESIGN

In this article, the authors share their insights into the organization and execution of research, illustrated by their work on the project "Women of ethnic communities as channels for the reproduction and formation of civic and ethnic identity". This article is intended for Kazakhstani scientists, specialists, students engaged in science and research in the interethnic sphere. The logic of developing methodology and design, described in detail in it, and a sample analysis of applied experience in conducting the field stage will be useful in developing knowledge about the development of methodology and research design in this area. The methodological analysis method was chosen as the methodological basis of the study. This method increases the significance of this article, since it is rarely found in the Kazakh scientific community. Core concepts such as "identity", "civic identity", and "ethnic identity" are expounded upon, alongside discussions on conducting narrative interviews, encompassing their merits, limitations, and challenges encountered during fieldwork. In essence, this article serves as a valuable resource for sociologists, offering guidance on the application of qualitative research techniques, notably narrative interviews, which remain underutilized in the field.

Taiwanese Churches in Diaspora and Ethnic Identity Formation

This article examines Taiwanese ethnic identity formation in the United States and its endurance in the Taiwanese Christian community. It is argued that the drivers of peak migration (1960s–1980s) have a time-capsule effect on immigrants, an effect that continues to influence present-day immigrant social relations. From the 1960s into the 1980s, Taiwanese immigrants infused their foundational ethnicity-based organizations, such as churches, with the spirit of Cold War-era democracy, self-determination, and anti-communism. For Taiwanese churches, this meant religious freedom is entwined with political freedom of expression. Today, we see the persistence of the time-capsule effect in existing Taiwanese churches. Ethnic boundaries that defined the Taiwanese community during the martial law period continue to shape contemporary social relations in church.

Ethnic Identity and National Unity in Ethiopia: Challenges and Opportunities for Building National Consensus

<i>Background</i>: Ethiopia's rich ethnic diversity has long been a defining feature of its social landscape. The coexistence of numerous ethnic groups within the country offers both opportunities for cultural enrichment and challenges for the formation of a coherent national identity. Historical, political and social dynamics have shaped the complex interplay between ethnic identity and the quest for national unity, warranting a critical examination of the converging forces influencing the socio-political fabric of Ethiopia. <i>Objective</i>: This study aims to systematically analyze the challenges and opportunities related to ethnic identity and national unity in Ethiopia in order to identify ways to build a sustainable national consensus amidst ethnic diversity. By shedding light on the nuanced dynamics of ethnic identity formation, social cohesion and political agency, the study aims to identify strategies that promote inclusive nation building while respecting the diversity of Ethiopia's ethnic mosaic. <i>Main Findings</i>: The study examined the historical roots of ethnic identity formation in Ethiopia and shed light on the legacy of various cultural traditions, historical grievances and political developments that have shaped contemporary perceptions of ethnicity. It also critically assessed the impact of ethnic federalism, decentralized governance and ethno-nationalist aspirations on the overall quest for national unity and cohesive statehood. Furthermore, the study explored the challenges posed by inter-ethnic tensions, identity-based conflicts and socio-political fragmentation, while identifying the potential opportunities for promoting dialog, reconciliation and inclusive citizenship to strengthen national consensus. <i>Methodology</i>: Using a qualitative approach, the research draws on a comprehensive analysis of secondary sources, including academic papers, historical documents, policy papers and ethnographic accounts. By synthesizing insights from different disciplines such as anthropology, political science and social history, the study has created a holistic understanding of the multi-layered dimensions of ethnic identity and national unity in Ethiopia. <i>Conclusion:</i> The complex dynamics of ethnic identity and national unity in Ethiopia underscore the need for inclusive policies that respect the diverse cultural heritage while promoting a common national identity, recognizing historical grievances, addressing inter-ethnic tensions and fostering dialog. Balancing the diverse ethnic mosaic within a unifying national narrative is critical to moving towards sustainable nation building.

Intergenerational Ambivalence, Self-differentiation and Ethnic Identity: A Mixed-methods Study on Family Ethnic Socialization

Ethnic identity, profoundly influenced by familial factors, embodies multifaceted layers; yet, the intricate process of family ethnic socialization warrants deeper exploration. This study focuses on exploring the complexities of ethnic identity formation, specifically within the context of Yi adolescents. Employing a mixed-methods approach, it delves into family ethnic socialization dynamics among Yi adolescents. The research engaged 606 surveyed participants and conducted interviews with 188 individuals in focused group settings in Liangshan Yi Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan Province, China. Quantitative analysis revealed correlations between caregiver-adolescent relationships (CAR) and ethnic identity. Adolescents experiencing ambivalent, positive, or neutral CAR exhibited higher ethnic identity levels than those with negative CAR. Qualitative analysis highlighted two key themes. Firstly, families tended to acculturate love through traditional cultural expectations and socialization, demonstrated through unconscious integration of Yi culture and a focus on individual modernity within family values. Secondly, ethnic identity attainment was observed through self-differentiation, including reflexive awareness of Yi ethnicity, enrichment of Yi identity through peer interactions, and the connection of self-actualization with Yi prosperity. The findings emphasize the need for culturally sensitive support, particularly for social workers, to facilitate reflexive self-differentiation among ethnic minority adolescents during family ethnic socialization.

Supporting the mental health of young people from ethnically diverse groups during the transition from primary to secondary school

Background: The transition from primary to secondary school is a pivotal period in young people’s lives and can significantly impact their mental health. However, the experiences of young people from ethnically diverse groups during this crucial period of physical, social and emotional development are under-researched, limiting the evidence base for meaningful support. Objectives: This study explored the experiences of young people from ethnically diverse groups during primary-secondary school transition and co-designed ideas for culturally sensitive support. It explicitly focused on the intersection between ethnic and cultural identity, primary-secondary transition and mental health. Methods: The study employed participatory design to collaborate with seven young people from ethnically diverse groups and a peer researcher. Four online workshops mapped participant experiences and ideas concerning the primary-secondary transition, identity and mental health. These were developed into implications for practice, policy and research. Results: Participants highlighted feeling unprepared for the transition, with some experiencing poor mental health and difficulty navigating their ethnic and cultural identity during this time. Participants’ ideas for future transition experiences included: supporting a longer transition period, schools promoting diversity among students and staff, enabling education on ethnicity and culture, breaking stereotypes, enabling mutual learning among staff and students and enabling an open and caring environment to support mental health. Conclusions: The study provides an in-depth understanding of experiences of young people from ethnically diverse groups during primary-secondary transition and suggests ways of supporting multi-faceted transitions and mental health, with a key focus on ethnic and cultural identity formation.

Conceptual Understanding of Ethnicity in Nepal: Exploring Primordial and Constructivist Approach

This paper critically analyzes the primordial and constructivist approaches to understanding ethnicity in Nepal and examines how intersectionality, hybridity, power dynamics, and agency shape ethnic identity construction. The study draws on diverse perspectives and scholarly literature to explore the complexities of ethnicity in Nepalese society. The findings reveal the interplay of primordial factors, such as shared ancestry and kinship, with constructivist factors, including social construction and fluidity, in shaping ethnic identity formation. The analysis also highlights the significance of intersectionality, where gender, caste, class, and ethnicity intersect, in influencing ethnic identity construction. Additionally, the study emphasizes the role of hybridity, power dynamics, and agency in shaping and contesting ethnic identities. The implications of these dynamics for marginalized ethnic communities are discussed, focusing on their challenges in challenging dominant narratives and advocating for their rights. The research contributes to a comprehensive understanding of ethnicity in Nepal and informs future research, policy considerations, and interventions related to ethnicity and identity.

Indian Classical Dancers in the Diaspora: How Free Improvisation and Contact Improvisation Programs Help Enhance Dance Proficiency, Improvisation Competence, and Forming Multigroup Ethnic Identities

ABSTRACT This article reports a quasi-experiment on the impact of contact improvisation (CI) sessions and free improvisation (FI) interfaces on dance proficiency, improvisation competence/output quality, and multigroup ethnic identity formation of Indian classical dancers in the United Kingdom, United States, Singapore, and Australia. FI participants reported higher scores on dance proficiency, improvisation competence, and multigroup ethnic identity formation compared to those who participated in the CI sessions. FI was most effective for diaspora female Indian classical dancers, Bharatanatyam dancers, dancers with 9–12 years of dance education, who had an advanced/higher diploma formal education in dance, who attended 21–40 (>50%) FI interfaces, and completed 21–40 (>50%) FI homework sessions. FI is a performance technique foregrounding spontaneity and a modality to augment the repertoire of Indian classical dances to speak to an international audience by adapting western aesthetics. It is a way to bring contemporariness into Indian classical dances and shape postcolonial dancer identities.

“Who Created These Rules?”: Narrative Accounts of Two First Generation Black African Immigrant Students with Dis/Ability Labels

The scholars in Disability Studies in Education (DSE) have explored critical connections between race, disability, and other markers of identity. This article specifically explores narrative accounts of two first generation Black African immigrant students’ educational navigation and their English as Second Language (ESL) and special education experiences. A pluralistic theoretical approach including Disability Critical Race Studies (DisCrit) and Ethnic Racial Identity (ERI) Formation framework is employed. The author proposes a disability-integrated ERI (D-ERI) framework. Some important findings from participant narratives suggest their awareness of the ESL as a formalized system leading to special education placement, and their acts of resistance against the deficit perceptions about their intersectional ethnic-racial identities in U.S. schools.

Hope and Ethnic Identity among Adolescents in East Nusa Tenggara

The formation of ethnic identity illustrates the important task for emotional development during adolescence. Hope is a protective factor for adolescents during the process of identity formation. This study aims to determine the effect of hope on the development of ethnic identity of adolescents in NTT. The participants of this study were 45 adolescents aged 17-19 years old who were studying at several universities in NTT. The sample of the study was taken by using purposive sampling technique. This study used the Children Hope Scale (CHS) and Ethnic Identity Scale to measure the effect of hope on the development of ethnic identity of adolescents in NTT. Hypothesis testing using simple linear regression analysis resulted in significance value (Sig.) 0.040 <0.05, t-statistic 2,115> 2,015, R square = 0.094. The results of the study show that there is a significant effect of hope variable amounts to 9,4% on the development of ethnic identity of adolescents in NTT. This study implies the need to cultivate hope as an effective variable in developing emotional skills of adolescents by way of improving solidarity among members in various ethnic groups in NTT.

The Definition of Malays in Malaysian Legislations: A Historical Perspective

Article 160 of the Federal Constitution of Malaysia defines a Malay as an individual who professes the religion of Islam, habitually speaks the Malay language, and conforms to Malay customs. However, this definition, central to the allocation of certain privileges to the Malays based on their special position as natives in Malaysia, is subject to ongoing debates and challenges. The issue of Malay indigeneity is frequently raised, therefore prompting this study to examine the formation of Malay ethnic identity within Malaysian legislation from the historical perspective. The findings found that the definition of Malays in Article 160 of the Federal Constitution was established based on the parameters outlined in the Federation of Malaya Agreement 1948. Prior to that, the definition of Malays was articulated according to the Malay Reserve Enactments. However, the definition of Malays in the Federal Constitution is more flexible compared to the Malay Reserve Enactments because the requirement of Malay descent is not stated as a condition for determining the characteristics of Malays. Therefore, the definition of Malays in the Federal Constitution has enabled the descendants of other ethnic groups of the Malay Archipelago and foreign ethnic groups who also adhere to the Islamic religion to be considered as Malay together with the original Malay inhabitants in the Malay Peninsula.