TITLE:
Language Barriers, Emotional Well-Being, and Cultural Retention in Immigrant Nepalese Families in the UK: A Mixed-Methods Study
AUTHORS:
Mina Sharma
KEYWORDS:
Language Barriers, Immigrant Families, Bilingualism, Cultural Heritage, Emotional Well-Being, Intra-Family Communication
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Social Sciences,
Vol.12 No.9,
September
24,
2024
ABSTRACT: This paper investigates the communication challenges and cultural retention within immigrant Nepalese families in the UK, focusing on the language barriers between Nepal-born parents and their UK-born children. Through a mixed-methods approach, including a survey of 30 participants and in-depth interviews with five families, the study reveals that language barriers significantly contribute to emotional gaps and family conflicts. The findings highlight the importance of bilingualism for cognitive development and cultural retention, with families expressing regret over the loss of their native language. The study applies acculturation theory and communication accommodation theory to understand these challenges and suggests strategies to improve language and cultural retention in immigrant families.