Title  The importance of the media and the host language in immigrant integration. Case studies: the Nepalese community in Portugal and the Portuguese community in Macau
Author  Inês Gonçalves de Gião Miradouro Branco
Supervisor  Cristina Mendes da Ponte
Date  2015
Institution  Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, New University of Lisbon
Degree  PhD
Area  Communication sciences
URI  http://hdl.handle.net/10362/17078

Abstract  

This research focuses on the Portuguese immigrant community in Macau and the Nepalese immigrant community in Portugal. It analyzes the uses of media - ethnic, mainstream and transnational - by immigrants during the integration process: in maintaining ties with the country of origin and in adapting to the host society, in which the host language plays a crucial role. The research is part of audience studies and is based on the theory of Media Uses and Gratifications (Katz, Blumler, & Gurevitch, 1974). With regard to integration, it is based on Berry & Sam's model of acculturation strategies (2001, 2006). As for language, it is based on Bourdieu's theory of power and practice (1991), specifically the part relating to the symbolic power of language. As for the methodology, eight in-depth interviews were carried out in the Nepalese community and 29 in the Portuguese community. The sample was of convenience and theoretically supported. Following the interviews, an individual and cross-sectional content analysis was carried out. This thesis aims to contribute to enriching lines of research on active media audiences. It could serve as a source of information for policies related to immigrant integration, namely for reformulating policies related to the media and the host language. In the case of media companies, the information obtained could be useful for better adapting their content to this specific audience.