| Abstract [eng] |
The paper analyzes Uzbek cultural adaptation process. The relevance of the work is based on the fact that the extent of migration processes in modern society and social change in the economic, political, social and cultural life of the country requires special attention to many-sided investigations of immigrants adaptation and integration. The propose of study is to reveal cultural adaptation of Uzbeks in Lithuania. The main goals are to examine theoretical cultural adaptation literature background on adaptation process and indices that may cause difficulties in adaptation; reveal adaptation strategies and investigate the factors and circumstances that predict adaptation; mark out Uzbekistan and Lithuania cultural differences; analyze cultural adaptation process of Uzbeks in Lithuania, adaptation factors and acculturation attitudes towards adaptation. This study hypothesized that Uzbeks in Lithuania tend to choose separation strategy due to large perceived cultural distance. Cultural distance is associated with strong cultural shock that can be overcome by gaining family ethnic community support. High education negatively related to separation and marginalization strategies choose. Methods of conducting a research were interview and questionnaire. An interview questionnaire to measure adaptation and adaptation attitudes was developed for the study, derived from the literature on cultural adaptation and culture shock. This research is based on the work of J.W. Berry, R.Y. Bourhis, Y. Kim, P. Adler. on general immigrant adaptation attitudes. It is conducted that cultural adaptation "honeymoon" stage is very short. Moreover, Uzbeks do not feel strong "culture shock" in Lithuania, because of unawareness of Lithuanian and Uzbekistan Cultural Differences; knowledge and interest in Lithuanian country before moving in; having been to Lithuania previously; having communication with the Lithuanian experience in Uzbekistan. The Results show that the general Uzbek adaptation attitude is one of integration, however, the strategies adopted and the attitudes preferred vary depending on the areas of acculturation considered. Immigrants moderately endorse separatism and weakly endorse assimilation and marginalization. The analysis of gender differences showed that women tend to choose integration strategy. Men prefer separation strategy. The main source of social support during adaptation is family and relatives in Lithuania. Furthermore, ethnic community is not considered to be a strong source of social support. Results indicate that successful adaptation and integration is facilitated by high Uzbeks education. |
