Communication Studies
Volume 61, Issue 3, 2010, Pages 304-320

Identity gaps of contemporary U.S. immigrants: Acknowledging divergent communicative experiences (Article)

Urban E.L. , Orbe M.P.
  • a College of Education, Western Michigan University, 8058 Wimbeldon Drive, Portage, MI 49024, United States
  • b School of Communication, Western Michigan University, United States

Abstract

Through the lens of the communication theory of identity (e.g., Hecht, Collier, & Ribeau, 1993), this study examines how immigrants living in the United States negotiate multiple dimensions of their identities. A thematic analysis of in-depth interviews with 17 immigrants from 16 countries explores what identity gaps exist for immigrants in the contemporary United States. Findings suggest that several identity gaps permeate immigrants' lived experience, including personal-enacted, personal-relational, enacted-relational, communal-relational, personal-communal, and enacted-communal gaps. Specific attention is paid to how these gaps are expressed differently by different immigrants. ©2010 Central States Communication Association.

Author Keywords

intercultural communication immigrants Immigration Identity negotiations Identity gaps Communication theory of identity (CTI)

Index Keywords

[No Keywords available]
Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-79960540370&doi=10.1080%2f10510971003757147&partnerID=40&md5=546a36889e85c8d31304dbf52beec0e7
DOI: 10.1080/10510971003757147
ISSN: 10510974
Cited by: 12
Original Language: English