This study seeks to explicate the intercultural experiences of Puerto Ricans within the diaspora of Central Florida. Specifically, the navigation of communication behaviors among intergroup and outgroup behaviors as Puerto Rican individuals acculturate into the area. This study utilizes communication accommodation theory as its basis in order to understand integration into a host culture and impacts on socio-cultural communication behaviors. Findings show the importance of studying diasporic communities as they develop such as that of the Puerto Rican community in Central Florida because it situates the reality of an individual and groups sense of identity in a new cultural context. This research showcases Puerto Rican diasporic individuals struggling with the bilingual brain and acculturating based on their environment. Communication accommodation behaviors are thus deeply rooted in marginalization and negative treatment of diasporic individuals as the “other” in multicultural scenarios. Intercultural self-identity and intersectionality have therefore been impacted by the dynamic between the home culture and host culture.
Outline of Studies:
Major: MA Communication
Educational Career:
BA Journalism
MA Communication
Committee in Charge:
Committee Chair: Dr. Jennifer Sandoval
Committee Member: Dr. Sally Hastings
Committee Member: Dr. Erica Kight
Approved for distribution by Dr. Jennifer Sandoval on 3/23/2023.
The public is welcome to attend virtually.
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