A1 Journal article (refereed)
Language and Acculturation : The Case of Russian Speakers in Latvia and Finland (2024)

Khalimzoda, I., & Siitonen, M. (2024). Language and Acculturation : The Case of Russian Speakers in Latvia and Finland. Nordic Journal of Migration Research, 14(3), Article 6. https://doi.org/10.33134/njmr.742

JYU authors or editors

Publication details

All authors or editors: Khalimzoda, Ilkhom; Siitonen, Marko

Journal or series: Nordic Journal of Migration Research

ISSN: 1799-649X

eISSN: 1799-649X

Publication year: 2024

Volume: 14

Issue number: 3

Article number: 6

Publisher: Helsinki University Press

Publication country: Finland

Publication language: English

DOI: https://doi.org/10.33134/njmr.742

Publication open access: Openly available

Publication channel open access: Open Access channel

Publication is parallel published (JYX): https://jyx.jyu.fi/handle/123456789/94927

Abstract

This study examines the acculturation of Russian speakers in Latvia and Finland by comparing their cultural (dis)involvement and preference (Carlson & Güler 2018) with their self-reported language proficiency and use. Using survey data collected from both countries (N = 224), the study finds a correlation between Russian speakers’ everyday language use and their level of acculturation. The comparative results showed that respondents using more local languages show higher Cultural Involvement (CI) compared to those who use English or Russian. Beyond language proficiency, what mattered was the actual use of the language as the local language used outside the home was significantly related to low CP scores.

Keywords: acculturation; diaspora; language skills; migration (demography); Russian language

Free keywords: acculturation; cultural involvement; cultural preference; diaspora; Finland; Latvia; language proficiency; migration; Russian speaker

Contributing organizations

Ministry reporting: Yes

Preliminary JUFO rating: 2