Host Culture Research Articles

Collage-based narratives of mothers of third culture kids the in-between space of transnational families in the UAE

This study delves into the lives of transnational families in the UAE, exploring their complex identities using a visual research approach known as the Collage Life Elicitation Technique (CLET). Both the topic and the methodology are framed within a theoretical lens of Verstehen (understanding) with a view to further exploring the lives of transnational families in the context of a pragmatic phenomenology and within the setting of the UAE as a rentier state. The lives of families such as these are characterized by a cross-cultural lifestyle, high mobility and expected repatriation. This paper presents narratives of eight transnational families in the UAE as expressed by the mother of each family unit, and seeks to expand on how these mothers view the identity of their families as expatriates living in the UAE. Findings indicate that these families navigate an intricate world where they are neither entirely of their host country nor of their passport country. The family unit plays a pivotal role in these families’ lives, acting as a bridge between their host culture and their home culture, serving as a nucleus for their evolving identities.

Exploring Heterogeneity of International Students’ Racial and Native/Non-Native Language Backgrounds in Learning Engagement, Cultural Adjustment, Social Connections from QuantCrit Perspective

The academic engagement of international students is intricately linked to their diverse social and cultural adjustments in the host culture. However, these aspects have often been investigated from a homogeneous point of view. This study explores the interpersonal characteristics of students from different racial groups and native/ non-native language backgrounds in learning engagement, cultural adjustment, social media use, and social capital. Data were collected using the Qualtrics Survey from 209 international students between November 2021 and May 2022. The results of the MANOVA indicate significant disparities based on their race and native/ non-native language backgrounds within the examined constructs. The findings enrich the body of research through the QuantCrit lens, underscoring that international students are not monolithic. Generalizing their experiences by aggregating various identity group data may fail to capture their complexities. The results revealed that Black students exhibited elevated levels of bridging social capital and learning engagement, potentially linked to increased social media usage. Hispanic students demonstrated lower levels of engagement and socialization. White international students displayed superior cultural adjustment and bonding capital. Conversely, Asian students reported lower levels of learning engagement, cultural adjustment, social media use, and social capital compared to their White, Black, and Hispanic peers. Native language international students outperformed non-native speakers in all assessed areas. The potential reasons for these group differences and administrative support that assists in coping with language, socialization and acculturation challenges are discussed.

The Cultural Problems about the Adaptation of Manggarai Students in Malang City

This research is motivated by the cultural complexity between Manggarai students and Java students in Malang city, Indonesia. There are misunderstandings due to the meeting of two different cultures. The research purpose is to find out the adaptation problems of Manggarai students in Malang city. The research method is qualitative with an ethnographic approach, namely emic. The data collection techniques are observation, interview and documentation. The analysis technique uses interpretation with a cultural paradigm. The results showed that the cultural problem of adaptation in the ethnographic point of view is the difficulty of adapting between students from Manggarai (migrants) and students from Java (host culture). The main reason for the difficulty in adapting starts from the language, the situation of feeling like a foreigner so that they feel culture shock with the new culture. Consequences of adaptation problems: limited communication between the two parties, the problem of occurring situations that are not familiar and easily offended due to misunderstanding and suspicion in the use of language. Ethnographic analysis helps adaptation problems through cultural trajectories from the immigrant side by being humble to learn conversations in everyday Javanese. The trajectory is carried out communally with initiatives from regional organizations (Lembor Malang Big Family Association or IKBLM) to build meeting points and familiarity with Javanese students. Research recommendations, different cultures can be crossed with cultural ideas and actions to accept differences starting from migrants and facilitated by decision-making parties.

Acculturation and self-management abilities of well-being among older Moroccans in the Netherlands

Abstract Background Migration involves a variety of stressors. Their accumulation over time may negatively impact migrants’ well-being. The extent that older migrants can integrate into a host society may determine their readiness to adopt behaviors such as self-management of well-being. Research regarding this relation among older Moroccans, one of the largest migrant groups in the Netherlands, has not been examined. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between acculturation and self-management abilities of well-being among older Moroccans and to examine differences in subgroups. Methods This cross-sectional study included 290 older Moroccans (≥ 65) living in Rotterdam, the Netherlands. Linear regression was applied to explore associations between acculturation (attachment to Moroccan and Dutch cultures) and self-management abilities of well-being. Independent samples t-tests were used to test differences between subgroups. Results Older Moroccans who received low education were found to be less attached to the Dutch culture [3.24 (0.72) vs. 3.54 (0.73); p = 0.016]. They were also poorer self-managers of their well-being [2.60 (0.59) vs. 2.86 (0.58); p = 0.012], along with those with multi-morbidity [2.55 (0.60) vs. 2.77 (0.54); p = 0.006] and those lacking comprehension of Dutch [2.46 (0.56) vs. 2.69 (0.59); p = 0.011]. Self-management abilities of well-being had a negative association with multi-morbidity (β = −0.18, p = 0.007) and lack of Dutch comprehension (β = −0.16, p = 0.031), and a positive association with attachment to Moroccan (β = 0.17, p = 0.012) and Dutch (β = 0.18, p = 0.010) cultures. Conclusions Findings indicate that attachment to Moroccan and Dutch cultures is beneficial for older Moroccans’ self-management of well-being. Efforts need to support older migrants’ integration for them to adequately function and feel at home. Interventions promoting integration and self-management need to consider the characteristics of older migrant populations Key messages • Attachment to origin and host cultures benefits older migrants’ self-management of well-being. The cultural context of older migrants needs to be considered when promoting values of self-management. • Differences in acculturation and self-management of well-being existed between older migrant subgroups. Interventions promoting these values should account for the diversity that exists among migrants.

Associations of stressful life events with stress symptoms and well-being of adolescent refugees: mediation by post-migration stressors and protective resources?

Objective This paper focuses on the relationship between stressful life events experienced by young refugees and their reports of psychological and somatic stress symptoms and well-being. It examines whether this relationship is mediated by personal and social resources and by acculturation hassles experienced in the host country. Methods Path analyses were calculated based on data from 147 adolescents aged 11 to 18 years from the Middle East after their flight to Germany to test the proposed mediation model. Results The number of experienced stressful life event types was directly linked to current psychological and somatic stress symptoms. The association with psychological stress symptoms was partially mediated by acculturation hassles experienced in the host culture. Well-being was not related to stressful life events but showed significant associations with available social resources. A closer inspection of the mediation by acculturation hassles showed that discrimination hassles and socio-cultural adaptation hassles are important mediators in the relationship between stressful life events and the included outcome variables. Conclusion The results indicate that stressful life events as well as resources and acculturation hassles should be considered in measures to improve the adjustment of young refugees.

Use of self-referencing memory strategies change over time with acculturation

Although cross-cultural research identifies cognitive differences when comparing across individuals, few studies have examined how acculturation, or cultural change over time within individuals, affects cognition. To address this gap, we investigated how acculturation and change in self-construal for Chinese students in the US impacts the self-reference effect in memory over two timepoints. Participants completed a self-referencing memory task and a set of questionnaires assessing acculturation orientation and self-construal over two time points, on average 16 months apart. As individuals' orientation towards host culture and independence increased over the two time points, they exhibited a larger self-reference effect (self vs. other) in memory and a smaller other-reference (other vs. control) effect. These patterns indicated that as Chinese students became more acculturated to US culture, they exhibited more US-like patterns of behavior in memory. In contrast, between-participant variability in acculturation orientation and independence were not related to self- or other-referencing.

Acculturation Orientations Among Immigrant-Origin Youth: How is Acculturation Associated with Self-Esteem, Sense of Belonging, and Discrimination?

AbstractWe developed a six-item Compact Acculturation Scale (CAS) based on common items on comprehensive acculturation scales and examined it with two designs using data from the Finnish Annual Youth Future Report Survey of 2023 (N = 744 immigrant-origin youth, IOY). In Study 1, we first confirmed second-order factorial structure of CAS and its convergent validity. Second, using structural equation modelling, we found that the relation of acculturation with self-esteem was ambivalent among recently migrated youth who perceived discrimination. Established immigrant-origin youth who reported discrimination were more likely to prefer an ethnic orientation. In Study 2, we examined acculturation profiles among immigrant-origin youth based on CAS variables, and the relationship of profiles with self-esteem, perceived discrimination, and sense of belonging. Six profiles were found: Medium integration (49%), High integration (22%), Neo-culture kid (15%), Separation (6%), Assimilation (6%), and Marginalized (2%). Both integration profiles were associated with high self-esteem and sense of belonging. Third largest profile was characterized by rejecting both host and heritage cultures, but unlike Marginalized, they reported enjoying both in-group and host-peer relations. In sum, this study shows that CAS is a reliable and robust instrument that can serve us in investigating acculturation both by variable- and person-oriented approaches.

Emotion concordance is higher among immigrants from more individualist cultures: Implications for cultural differences in adherence to emotion norms.

Recent findings show that in more individualist cultures, people's emotions are more homogenous and more concordant with the emotions of others in their culture. These findings have been interpreted as evidence that adherence to emotion norms is greater in more individualist cultures. This investigation examined a consequence of this to the acquisition of emotion norms. If immigrants from more individualist cultures are more likely to adhere to emotion norms, they should be more sensitive to the emotion norms of their host culture and will acquire them more readily. Therefore, we expected that immigrants from more individualist cultures would acquire the emotion norms of their host culture to a greater extent than immigrants from less individualist cultures. This hypothesis was supported in two studies with diverse samples of immigrants (N > 10,000) that assessed emotion concordance with one's host culture, an implicit measure of the acquisition of emotion norms. We ruled out alternative explanations, such as cultural tightness and the cultural distance between host cultures and heritage cultures. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

The Procedure of an International Student Studying Abroad: A Case Study

As it is examined and concluded by many researchers, studying abroad has been common when students are trying to receive higher quality education. Cross-cultural adjustment is also regarded as a compulsory term to consider, and the way to get involved in the host culture has also been deeply investigated in this procedure. Therefore, this paper aims at identifying the factors that cause cultural barriers, as well as finding solutions to cope with them. In this study, a case study research method is employed and the result will be beneficial to support future research in similar fields.

Cultural Reproduction and Religious Traditions Among Banyumas Migrant Communities Within the NGAPAK Population in The Provinces of Lampung and East Kalimantan

Understanding the perpetuation of cultural and religious traditions among Banyumasan migrant communities presents a multifaceted challenge, necessitating a profound comprehension of Banyumasan cultural and religious norms, the migratory journey to regions such as Lampung and Kalimantan, and the intricate dynamics of cultural transmission. Meticulous research yields the following conclusions: Firstly, Banyumasan culture encompasses communities in Banjarnegara, Purbalingga, Banyumas, Cilacap, Kebumen, Tegal, and Brebes, characterized by the prevalent Ngapak dialect of Javanese. Rooted in language, values, traditions, and rituals, Banyumasan culture reflects egalitarianism, directness, and harmony, emblematic of the wong cilik community. Secondly, a significant number of Banyumasan individuals historically migrated to various parts of Indonesia, notably Lampung and Kalimantan, initially for colonial-era labor needs and later to alleviate population pressures and enhance economic prospects during the New Order era. Thirdly, migration fosters extensive interactions between Banyumasan migrants and host communities, involving a nuanced negotiation process wherein individuals balance preserving their cultural heritage and adapting to new surroundings. The outcome depends on effective communication strategies to convey Banyumasan cultural identity amidst diverse host cultures.

Characterization of Twelve Erwinia amylovora Bacteriophages

Erwinia amylovora bacteriophages are of interest as fire blight control agents. This paper presents data on the biology and molecular genetic properties of 12 E. amylovora tailed bacteriophages. Genome sequences of seven of them were determined and the phages were identified as the representatives of Caudoviricetes; Vequintavirinae, Ounavirinae and Autographiviridae families. The bacteriophages studied were active against E. amylovora, Pantoea agglomerans and Pantoea ananatis strains. The myovirus Hena1 had the narrowest host range lysing 12% of the bacterial cultures tested, the remaining myoviruses—had broader host ranges (56%) for this collection. The phages showed different reactions to the presence of a chelating agent in the cultivation medium. A significant proportion of phage-resistant E. amylovora cells were found both in infected liquid cultures and in the experiments on the plates with the phage agar (more than 20% in case of exposure to podoviruses), which correlates with the data of limited number of previous investigations of the phenomenon for E. amylovora interactions with phages. High prevalence of resistant cells in the host cultures suggest that they are formed not due to spontaneous mutations but result from another phenotypic or genetic dissociation mechanism(s) that remains to be identified.

What We Learn From Comparison: Some Epistemological Remarks

This article deals with the comparisons between testimonies and theoretical works on Nazi and Soviet camps carried on within literary studies. Going beyond the debates about potentially antagonistic memories of those two regimes, the comparison contributes to decompartmentalizing research, infusing it with new dynamics and methods as well as the adoption of a renewed approach to the construction of knowledge. Indeed, by conducting textual comparisons rather than basing their research on the study of facts, the researchers in the field of literary studies were able to question narrative strategies and the positions of certain works within their host cultures. Debates on the generic aspects of literary testimonies have thus helped shift the focus from the specificity of the experiences they described to their status and form. The article then compares the two bodies of texts from the point of view of their possible use as historical sources, and analyzes a few examples of narrative strategies.

N-linked protein glycosylation in Nanobdellati (formerly DPANN) archaea and their hosts.

Members of the kingdom Nanobdellati, previously known as DPANN archaea, are characterized by ultrasmall cell sizes and reduced genomes. They primarily thrive through ectosymbiotic interactions with specific hosts in diverse environments. Recent successful cultivations have emphasized the importance of adhesion to host cells for understanding the ecophysiology of Nanobdellati. Cell adhesion is often mediated by cell surface carbohydrates, and in archaea, this may be facilitated by the glycosylated S-layer protein that typically coats their cell surface. In this study, we conducted glycoproteomic analyses on two co-cultures of Nanobdellati with their host archaea, as well as on pure cultures of both host and non-host archaea. Nanobdellati exhibited various glycoproteins, including archaellins and hypothetical proteins, with glycans that were structurally distinct from those of their hosts. This indicated that Nanobdellati autonomously synthesize their glycans for protein modifications probably using host-derived substrates, despite the high energy cost. Glycan modifications on Nanobdellati proteins consistently occurred on asparagine residues within the N-X-S/T sequon, consistent with patterns observed across archaea, bacteria, and eukaryotes. In both host and non-host archaea, S-layer proteins were commonly modified with hexose, N-acetylhexosamine, and sulfonated deoxyhexose. However, the N-glycan structures of host archaea, characterized by distinct sugars such as deoxyhexose, nonulosonate sugar, and pentose at the nonreducing ends, were implicated in enabling Nanobdellati to differentiate between host and non-host cells. Interestingly, the specific sugar, xylose, was eliminated from the N-glycan in a host archaeon when co-cultured with Nanobdella. These findings enhance our understanding of the role of protein glycosylation in archaeal interactions.IMPORTANCENanobdellati archaea, formerly known as DPANN, are phylogenetically diverse, widely distributed, and obligately ectosymbiotic. The molecular mechanisms by which Nanobdellati recognize and adhere to their specific hosts remain largely unexplored. Protein glycosylation, a fundamental biological mechanism observed across all domains of life, is often crucial for various cell-cell interactions. This study provides the first insights into the glycoproteome of Nanobdellati and their host and non-host archaea. We discovered that Nanobdellati autonomously synthesize glycans for protein modifications, probably utilizing substrates derived from their hosts. Additionally, we identified distinctive glycosylation patterns that suggest mechanisms through which Nanobdellati differentiate between host and non-host cells. This research significantly advances our understanding of the molecular basis of microbial interactions in extreme environments.

Acculturation Strategies and Their Impact on Psychological Health

The dramatic rise in migration during this decade has sparked many questions regarding migrant’s choices and how these choices determined or altered their lives. This study explores the impact of various acculturation strategies—assimilation, separation, integration, and marginalization—on the mental well-being of migrants. Our research strategy involves employing a literature review to synthesize quantitative data from psychological assessments and qualitative insights from migrant interviews. Findings indicate that marginalization, characterized by a lack of engagement with both the host and origin cultures, correlates with the poorest mental health outcomes, including heightened levels of stress, anxiety, and depression. Conversely, integration, where migrants maintain their cultural heritage while also participating in the host culture, is associated with the most favorable psychological health, reflecting lower stress levels and higher life satisfaction. While some migrants report a sense of security and identity preservation, others experience isolation and limited social support, leading to mixed mental health outcomes. Ultimately, this research sheds light on how migrants’ approach to cultural ties can be pivotal in their lives by directly impacting their psychological health. We aim for this paper to be a didactic source of information for policy makers, migrants and even citizens to use in order to create societies that promote collectivity and cultural diversity. Keywords: Acculturation, psychological health, mental health, migration

The associations between self-construal, emotional expressivity and acculturation among Arab immigrants.

This contribution investigates differences in self-construal and emotional expressivity among Arab immigrants and non-immigrants. Furthermore, it examines the role of acculturation styles and perceived emotional acculturation in predicting these outcomes among Arab immigrants. Using a sample of 1249 self-identified Arabs (629 immigrants in Western Europe and North America; 620 non-immigrant Arabs in the Mashriq and Maghrib regions), we found that collectivist self-construal was significantly lower, and positive emotional expressivity was significantly higher among immigrant, than non-immigrant, Arabs. High home country acculturation (also in combination with high host country acculturation) was the strongest predictor of collectivist self-construal. Immigrants' perception of the positive emotional expressivity of people in their host culture was the strongest predictor of their personal positive emotional expressivity. These results were replicated using the Euclidean distance method to measure acculturation. Hence, the study provides valuable insights into the relationships between self-construal, emotional expressivity and acculturation styles, specifically among Arab immigrants.

Social Self-Efficacy Mediates Wechat Use and Cross-Cultural Adaptation Among International Students in Chengdu, China

Social media supports international students to become more integrated into the host culture during their adaptation and to maintain ties with people their home country. In China, WeChat has the social attributes to help international students to cope with academic and social challenges in the host society but it seems that personal self-confidence may affect sociocultural adjustment. The study examines the relationship between WeChat use, social self-efficacy and cross-cultural adaptation among international students in China. The preliminary study involved 24 international students in China who filled in an online questionnaire on cross-cultural exposure, WeChat usage, social self-efficacy and cross-cultural adaptation was formulated. The results showed frequent WeChat use, and it helped the respondents to learn Chinese language skills, make friends, and obtain social support to deal with study and life problems. They also reported positive attitudes towards their social skills and confidence in their host countries, but they were less confident when talking to strangers or expressing their opinions. Nevertheless, the respondents reported satisfactory cross-cultural adaptation because of the support from classmates, teachers, and the university. However, they were neutral on whether they have integrated into the culture in China, or felt capable talking to locals and making decisions. Our findings indicated that social self-efficacy exerts an indirect effect on the unidirectional link between social use of WeChat and cross-cultural adaptation.

The Influence of Cultural Identity on Language Acquisition in "Third Culture Kids (TCKs)" in America with East Asian Backgrounds

The relationship between cultural identity and language acquisition among a special demographic population, Third Culture Kids (TCKs) in America with East Asian backgrounds, is complex. TCKs spend a significant part of their early years outside their parents culture and face challenges in language acquisition due to their exposure to multiple cultures. Third Culture Kids with ancient backgrounds face challenges in their lifetime due to differences in cultural backgrounds between their host and home culture. This often leads to a unique third culture that blends elements of both cultures. Factors such as the age of language exposure, social interactions, and community attitudes significantly influence this formation of the third culture. This essay focuses on the various factors influencing language acquisition, including bilingualism, acculturation, and identity negotiation. Based on theoretical frameworks and empirical studies on sociocultural and identity theories, the aspects influencing language acquisition in TCK with East Asian-American backgrounds and their unique process of language acquisition will be explained.

Acculturative stress and depressive symptoms among international university students: A meta-analytic investigation

Research has consistently supported a positive relationship between acculturative stress and depression among international students. However, variations in findings have indicated the need for a quantitative synthesis of existing studies. This random-effects meta-analysis included twenty-four independent studies meeting eligibility criteria, comprising 5712 international university students (Female = 55.56 %; mean age = 24.49, range 17–64 years old). Findings revealed a robust relationship (Fisher’s Z = 0.531; CI [0.305, 0.756]; p < 0.001) between acculturative stress and depressive symptoms among international university students, indicating a large effect (Cohen, 1992). Moderating variables such as age, gender, host culture, and measurement scales showed no significant effects on this association. The findings confirmed the positive correlation between acculturative stress and depression, showing that increased levels of acculturative stress among international university students are linked to higher levels of depression. The results suggest the potentially pivotal role of acculturative stress in understanding and addressing depressive symptoms among international university students. Importantly, the study highlights the need for future research involving a more diverse range of international students and countries, given the predominance of studies conducted in the United States with samples primarily of Asian origin.

Cross-cultural differences and acculturation in affective response and sensory perception: a case study across Chinese immigrants and local consumers in New Zealand

Understanding cross-cultural variation in perception is essential for identifying culture-specific factors impacting product acceptability. While immigrants may initially maintain their preferences, acculturation levels vary. To understand to what extent immigrants can be used as a proxy to model overseas markets, this study investigated short (CHS) and long-term (CHL) Chinese immigrant responses to plain yoghurts compared to New Zealand (NZ) Europeans (E). Three groups (CHS, CHL and NZE, n = 222) evaluated liking of, emotional response to, and sensory perception of 10 plain yoghurts. Groups liked yoghurts similarly. Notably, NZE rated emotions lower than both immigrant groups, with a few exceptions. Both Chinese groups rated most emotions similarly, but CHL rated some closer to NZE. Positive emotions correlated with higher liking scores. However, cross-cultural differences existed for ‘guilty’ which was associated with yoghurts liked by NZE; and for ‘wild’ and ‘mild’ associated with yoghurts disliked by both immigrant groups. Citation proportions for some sensory attributes differed among all groups, dependent on the sample. But level of acculturation between immigrant groups was limited. Sweetness, vanilla, stone fruit and cream flavours, smoothness, and creaminess drove liking across all groups, whereas only the Chinese valued umami, undoubtedly due to positive associations with it. Some effects of acculturation for long-term immigrants were evident, but responses were often closer to their short-term counterparts. Therefore, immigrants in general provide a useful proxy for measuring consumer responses in early stages of product development for this overseas market, but with consideration of their residence time in the host culture.

“It’s exactly how I pictured it!”: the construction and impact of the tourist gaze in study abroad

ABSTRACT Study abroad is laden with socially constructed expectations informed by discourses of place, people, and culture presented through social media, pop culture, word-of-mouth, and marketing. These discourses can shape how students approach and interpret their host countries and study abroad experiences. To better inform language and culture curriculum in study abroad programming, this qualitative case study explored how 13 U.S. students in an introductory Italian language and culture summer course perceived their host country and culture before, during, and after a short-term study abroad programme in Italy. Framed by Urry’s notion of the tourist gaze through a social constructionist lens, the study examined multiple data sources including interviews, participant observation, questionnaires, social media, and course artifacts. Findings identified that students curated their own Italian reality by filtering their experiences through existing frames of reference. They conceptualised Italy through a romanticised lens fuelled not only by stereotypes and singular narratives, but also by sheltered exposure to the broader country. Further, students perpetuated the tourist gaze by reproducing the same discourses that they themselves referenced. The implications support curricular intervention strategies to challenge existing frames of reference and to expose students to broader representations of the host country and culture.