A Phenomenological Study of Adaptability, Multiple Identities, and Acculturative Strengths as an Iranian Immigrant in Malaysia

Abstract

Acculturation as a lived experience refers to cultural learning and adaptation in the context of continuous cross-cultural experience through the way acculturating individuals live in the real world. Retrospective phenomenological research and self-observation analysis in cross-cultural contexts may contribute to the field in various ways including theory development, counter narratives, and innovative interventions. The current phenomenological case study focuses on emergent acculturative strengths of adaptability and possible identities: 1) cultural colonialism; 2) climate of the new culture: 3) conscious and unconscious imitation: 4) freedom from social norms; 5) paradox of language competence; and 6) concept of marginality. Implications for new approaches to acculturation theory development and research are addressed.