An Empirical Study On Acculturation Strategies Of Chinese Students In Germany

This paper attempts to find out preferences in acculturation strategies among Chinese students in Germany and provide insights into the relationships between acculturation strategies, SLA and intercultural and psychosocial adaptation factors. The survey sample consists of 64 Chinese students (mean age =26.7 years, SD =11.5). The average length of residence in Germany is 4.16 years (SD=1.86). Data are collected from questionnaires and face-to-face interviews. Responses to the questionnaire reveal that both integration and separation are the preferred acculturation strategies. Males prefer separation while females predominantly choose integration. Age and length of stay is not associated with any of the acculturation strategies. Students who adopt an assimilation strategy manifest higher language proficiency, less language anxiety and some German identity. Students who choose an integration strategy present higher language proficiency and lower psychological stress. Those who adopt marginalization experience more culture shock symptoms and psychological stress. There are no significant predictors related to the separation strategy. The findings suggest that the acculturation patterns of Chinese students in Germany are characterized by specific cross-cultural trends and traits due to the social and cultural distinctions of the two countries.