The Relationship Between Acculturation and Second Language Learning in the Context of Sustainable Multiculturalism: A Case Study of Russian Immigrants and Syrian Refugees in Türkiye

Bora Bayram and Ramazan Eryılmaz ()
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Bora Bayram: Faculty of Education, Alanya Alaaddin Keykubat University, Antalya 07425, Türkiye
Ramazan Eryılmaz: Turkish and Foreign Language Teaching Application and Research Centre (ALKU TOMER), Alanya Alaaddin Keykubat University, Antalya 07425, Türkiye

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 1, 1-18

Abstract: This study aimed to identify the acculturation strategies of Russian immigrants and Syrian refugees living in Türkiye and examine their impact on second-language learning. The idea of acculturation explains how immigrants adapt to the culture of the host country. In this research, the acculturation strategies of immigrants and refugees, their second-language learning, and other variables that could influence their integration were measured. Interviews were conducted with immigrants and refugees within the scope of the study. Quantitative and qualitative data were analysed in accordance with the mixed research method. According to the findings, immigrants and refugees generally prefer the integration strategy. Females tend to favour the integration strategy more strongly compared to males. Among those residing in Türkiye, individuals with 0–1 year of residence exhibited significantly higher motivation for second-language learning. However, no significant relationship was observed among the other groups (2–5 years, 6–10 years, and 11+ years). Refugee or immigrant status, sex, and length of residence played important roles in second-language learning. Those who preferred the integration strategy, as well as refugees and females, tended to have higher second-language learning motivation. The research indicates that refugees require more support for cultural adaptation and second-language acquisition. Effective integration policies for refugees in Türkiye and the implementation of economic and social programmes through international cooperation are essential. Otherwise, neglecting cultural and social integration may threaten sustainable multiculturalism.

Keywords: acculturation; second language; immigrant; refugee; sustainable; multiculturalism (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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