Language Alter Ego

Expanded acculturation expectations model

2024-03-31 14:48
The kinds of attitudes members of the larger society have toward immigrants and/or the kinds of settlement policies the larger society has toward acculturating groups can influence the adopted strategy. Society’s expectation of how an acculturating group should acculturate (i.e., acculturation expectations) has been the basis of theoretical models such as the interactive acculturation model (IAM) of Bourhis and his colleagues. And I believe it's a great model. However, as times have changed and the world has become more globalized, like in the case with the acculturation model by Berry, I see an opportunity to expand the list of strategies in the model.

Potential new strategies that could be added to the model:

Cultural Synergy
Description: This strategy emphasizes the active collaboration between different cultural groups to create new, shared cultural practices and norms. It goes beyond mere coexistence by fostering joint activities, cultural exchanges, and collaborations that generate positive synergies between diverse communities.
Characteristics:
  • Encourages joint projects and initiatives.
  • Promotes shared cultural celebrations and practices.
  • Seeks to blend diverse cultural elements into new, inclusive practices.
  • Aims to enhance mutual respect and understanding through collaborative efforts.
Impact: This approach can lead to enriched cultural landscapes where the benefits of diverse perspectives are actively harnessed to create innovative solutions and practices.

Dynamic Fusion
Definition: Dynamic Fusion is a strategy where elements of multiple cultures are continuously blended and adapted to create new, evolving cultural norms and practices.
Characteristics:
  • Cultural Adaptation: Encourages the ongoing blending of cultural elements rather than a static fusion.
  • Innovation and Creativity: Supports innovation and creativity as cultures interact and evolve together.
  • Flexibility: Allows for flexible cultural practices that can adapt to changing societal needs and contexts.
Impact: Promotes a dynamic and evolving cultural landscape that embraces continuous cultural exchange and adaptation.

Global Citizenship
Description: This strategy focuses on integrating digital nomads and globally connected individuals into the local society in a way that maximizes their economic and cultural contributions while respecting their need to maintain strong ties with their home countries.
Characteristics:
  • Promotes global awareness and solidarity.
  • Encourages participation of the locals and global citizens in global initiatives and networks.
  • Fosters respect for both local and global cultural identities.
  • Flexible Integration: Allows for flexible socio-cultural integration that accommodates the global lifestyle of global citizens while promoting their participation in local cultural practices and traditions.
  • Cultural Sensitivity: Ensures that local policies and support systems are culturally sensitive and accommodate the diverse needs and perspectives of global citizens while respecting local traditions and values.
Impact: Global citizenship can help bridge cultural divides and foster a sense of shared responsibility and cooperation on global issues with attention to local problems.