The Acculturation and Ethnic Identity of the Albanian Immigrants in Italy

Abstract

Acculturation is defined as a process of psychological and behavioral change in people and groups due to their long-lasting contact with another culture (Berry, 1980; Berry - Sam, 1997). Culture is dynamic, constantly changing through social interactions (Handwerker, 2002). Moreover, people today live in different cultures and therefore, they are always altering. The host culture and that of immigrants are transformed through their interpersonal and intercultural experiences. In this context, the problem is how to describe and measure changes that occur during acculturation. On the other hand, it is true that ethnic identity has survived even within a culture other than that of origin. Instead of being assimilated, members of ethnic groups have implemented a more complex form of adaptation. These people have not only acquired the ability to integrate within a host culture (acculturation), but have also preserved some characteristics of their culture of origin (ethnic identity) (Mendoza, 1989).Albanian immigration to Italy has such peculiar characteristics as to make it one of the most relevant study case for the sociology of ethnic relations.For this reason this research work is about the study of possible differences between Albanians in Albania and Albanian immigrants to Italy. In this way we analyze:1. The attitudes of the Albanians who immigrated to Italy towards some Italian and Albanian foods; 2. The acculturation and ethnic identity of the Albanian immigrants to Italy.