Toward an Interactive Theory of Communication-Acculturation

Abstract

In this paper, the acculturation process is conceptualized from the communication systems' point of view. Communication and acculturation are viewed as interdependent and inseparable processes, and are natural and inevitable for any individual who has been socialized in one culture and moves to another. The two seemingly contradictory views, ethnicity versus acculturation, are critically examined. The traditional anthropological approach to the study of acculturation is commented upon as limited in its validity due to the complex and interactive nature of the acculturation process. In order to develop a unified theory, five axioms are presented characterizing the fundamental nature of the acculturation process. Based on the axioms, constructs of communication that are considered most essential in the acculturation process are proposed. The four aspects of human communication—intrapersonal communication, interpersonal communication, mass media behavior, and communication environment—are used as a conceptual framework of exploration. For each of the four aspects, a few specific elements (or subconstructs) are identified for use in empirical research. They are: cognitive structure, image of self/others, motivation for acculturation, knowledge of host language, interpersonal relationship, mutuality of interpersonal perception, quantity of media use, choice of media content, interaction potential, and mass media availability.