Recent Chinese immigrants' perceptions of English language and culture learning in Canada

Abstract

Study participants : 6 Chinese immigrations in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

The purpose of the study was to investigate recent Chinese immigrants’ perceptions of English language learning and culture learning in a predominantly English culture during their first three years of settlement in Canada. The design of the study was qualitative, and the primary methodology was the interview guide approach. Participants were six Chinese immigrants who settled in Toronto, Canada. Three themes emerged from the analysis of the qualitative data: Chinese immigrants’ perceptions of their English language learning; Chinese immigrants’ perceptions of culture learning; and language, culture and life expectations. The findings of the study support the existing literature and generate new insights into Chinese immigrants’ experiences with English language and culture learning. Finally the study illustrated that immersion in a predominantly English speaking society is complex in nature and may be experienced in different ways.