Journal of Intercultural Communication
2012

Acculturation challenges that confront Sudanese former refugees in Australia (Article)

Hebbani A.G. , Obijiofor L. , Bristed H.
  • a School of Journalism and Communication, University of Queensland, Joyce Ackroyd Building, Level 2 St., Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
  • b School of Journalism and Communication, University of Queensland, Joyce Ackroyd Building, Level 2 St., Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
  • c University of Queensland, Australia, Griffith University, University Drive, Meadowbrook, QLD 4131, Australia

Abstract

This study investigated acculturation challenges that Sudanese former refugees faced as a consequence of settling in South-East Queensland, Australia. A total of 28 females and 11 males participated in focus groups. The findings indicate that both women and men face acculturation issues relating to successful settlement. The women were particularly challenged by low English language proficiency and parenting issues, while the men faced challenges to their traditional gender role within the family, as breadwinner, and their role outside the home - at work and in the public sphere. Thus, the research offers important insights into acculturation issues faced by both genders.

Author Keywords

intercultural communication Australia Intergenerational differences Cross-cultural adaptation Refugees Acculturation Gender roles Sudanese Parenting

Index Keywords

[No Keywords available]
Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-84878043800&partnerID=40&md5=a1b6fb1cb1afceaae55a63e435910489
ISSN: 14041634
Cited by: 7
Original Language: English