Date of Award

Fall 12-1-2018

Degree Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

School

Education

Committee Chair

Lilian Hill

Committee Chair School

Education

Committee Member 2

Kyna Shelley

Committee Member 2 School

Education

Committee Member 3

Eric Platt

Committee Member 3 School

Education

Committee Member 4

Holly Foster

Committee Member 4 School

Education

Abstract

Research examining the acculturation and linguistic processes of Syrian refugees resettling in the United States from 2011 – 2018 is limited. In order to learn about the acculturative and linguistic experiences of this unique group of refugees, the current study sought to collect data related to these two experiences within the resettled Syrian refugee population living in the U.S.A. since the start of the Syrian civil war in 2011.

Acquiring the language of a host country is necessary but language-learning experiences vary depending on a number of factors. This research attempted to elucidate the challenges of Syrian refugees in their acculturation and language experiences in the United States, which have not been well researched at the time of the study.

This present study relied on a mixed method that includes results from an acculturative survey questionnaire and qualitative interviews to gain awareness of Syrian refugees experience in the United States. Findings provided data related to participants’ self-assessment of acculturation and insight into the struggles of this group of refugees. Other findings highlighted positive experiences as well as needs of Syrian refugees in the Southeastern region of the United States.

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