Competing discourses in the ongoing identity construction of adult immigrants

Abstract

Based on interviews with eight adult immigrants to Montreal, this article explores how discourses from their cultures of origin interact with discourses in the host culture to influence the process of identity construction during their acculturation to the host society. Drawing on sociocultural theory and psychological concepts of identity development, the roles of the often conflicting discourses from two different societies are analyzed in terms of their influences on the identity construction of these adult immigrants. The most prevalent recurring theme from the interview data concerned what participants referred to as shyness. The meanings of this theme and its political, economic, and sociocultural implications are discussed. Interview data from this study indicate the importance of sociocultural, political, and economic elements of the discourses of one's society of origin which could be taken into consideration in order to create a more inclusive host society.

Keywords:

• identity construction
• discourses
• immigrants
• adult immigrants
• acculturation
• Quebec

Notes

1. Pseudonyms are used to protect the anonymity of research participants. The letter and number signify the interview from which the quote was taken.