A Multiple Case Study on the Identities of Immigrant College Students in a Filipino Language Club

Abstract

Immigrants make up just less than one-fifth of the State of Hawai‘i’s overall population, with the largest portion of that faction migrating from the Philippines. Filipino immigrants have to incorporate the influence of their new host culture and environment into their identities. This multiple case study of immigrant college students in a Filipino language and culture club explored how eight students developed their multiple identities, with a highlight on their ethnic identity. Nadal’s (2004) Pilipino American Identity Development Model and Bosma and Kunnen’s (2001) Model of Development of Commitment to Identity guided the study. Data were collected through two focus groups and three individual interviews. Responses suggested that the multiple environmental contexts immigrant adolescents interacted with affected how they developed their identities. Analysis led to the main themes: cultural influences, peer relationships, academic experiences and complexity of identities. Results indicated that a persons’ identity adjusts when faced with an unfamiliar context, either by developing a restructured identity or by generating higher commitment for the existing identity. Implications support Bosma and Kunnen’s model of identity development, with a recommendation of creating sharing spaces as motivation for discussing cultural knowledge.