Navigating Dialectic Contradictions Experienced by Female African Refugees during Cross-Cultural Adaptation

Abstract

An increasing number of new Americans are refugees who have fled persecution, war, and the loss of basic human rights. The current study examines the dialectical tensions experienced by female African refugees during the cross-cultural adaptation process. Twelve female African refugees participated in two focus groups, uncovering the communication challenges experienced when relocating to the United States. These women navigate contradictions of positive and negative features of their new lives, of being included and excluded, of being accepted and rejected, and of the real and ideal. Their narratives are understood through the lens of cross-cultural adaptation and dialectical theory.

The authors wish to thank Lori J. DeWitt, David H. Kahl, Jr., Adam W. Tyma, and Kelly E. Wolf for assistance collecting data for this project.

Keywords:

• Acculturation
• Cross-Cultural Adaptation
• Focus Groups
• Refugees
• Relational Dialectic Theory

Notes

The authors wish to thank Lori J. DeWitt, David H. Kahl, Jr., Adam W. Tyma, and Kelly E. Wolf for assistance collecting data for this project.

Note

[1] All of the names have been changed to protect the focus group participants’ identity, but are similar to names from their country of origin.