A Smooth Journey to Integration? A Case Study of Integration of English Proficient Chinese Immigrants in Canada

Abstract

This study looks at how a group of English-proficient Chinese immigrants perform professionally and socially, particularly how they deal with major issues in their process of integration in Canada. It draws on Berry’s (1997, 2003, 2005) theories and studies on acculturation, Boski’s (2006, 2008) conceptualizations of integration and Fong and Ooka’s (2006) immigrant integration patterns. Interview method is used to collect the data. The study helps to understand the myth that language is a determining factor for a successful integration. Though proficient English allows these immigrants to live a complementary parallel life, it still takes time for them to be able to behave in accordance with the expectations of the new cultural environment to be full participants of Canada. The data also reveal that the rising economic power of home culture plays a noticeable role in these immigrants’ integration.

Keywords

Integration / language proficiency / English-proficient Chinese immigrants

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