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Research finds that, in general, Russian speakers studied are involved with both their culture of origin and destination, coming close to the idea of biculturality. However, a closer examination also showed that those Russian speakers who mostly use Russian news media were also less involved in their local culture and leaned towards their culture of origin (Russian). In terms of language use, there are differences between Latvia and Finland. Latvian respondents mostly used the Russian language, while respondents in Finland used Finnish the most outside of their homes.

The study might help inform Russian speakers to better understand how their news media and language use can relate to their (dis)involvement in Latvia and Finland. Similarly, the insights from this research have practical implications for policymakers, educators, and media organizations. Understanding the intricate relationship between language use, media engagement, and acculturation can inform targeted strategies to facilitate smoother integration and address challenges faced by Russian-speaking communities in the given contexts.

On the basis of the results, the author concludes that multifaceted media access, the growing conflicting media landscape (of Russia and the West), and the multiplicity of everyday language usage challenge cultural involvement in the local context. The study concludes that news media use significantly influences the acculturation process. Focusing on daily language use outside the home, rather than mere language competency, provides a more accurate understanding of acculturation dynamics. It also emphasizes the novelty of the research for allowing the exploration of the directions towards the culture of origin and destination at the same time and underlines the importance of studying intercultural relations and related factors such as language and news media continuously. 

FM Ilkhom Khalimzoda defends his doctoral dissertation in Intercultural communication "Russian speakers’ acculturation in Finland and Latvia: the role of language and news media engagement" 3.11.2023 at 12:00 in Seminaarinmäki Main building, C2. Opponent is associate professor Amanda Paz Alencar (Erasmus University Rotterdam) and custos is professor Marko Siitonen (Ä¢¹½Ö±²¥).

The event is held in English.

Permanent link to the publication: 

Bio:

Ilkhom Khalimzoda is a researcher specializing in Intercultural Communication at the Ä¢¹½Ö±²¥. His doctoral research delved into the (dis)engagement of Russian speakers in Finland and Latvia, with a specific emphasis on the impact of media and language preferences. Presently, he is in the concluding stage of the research project titled "News and media in families with transnational background (MaMe)." His academic pursuits encompass ethnic relations, diasporas, media, and peace.

Further information: 

Ilkhom Khalimzoda, ilkhom.i.khalimzoda@jyu.fi