Communication experiences and adaptation of Mainland Chinese in Hong Kong and Hong Kong Chinese in Mainland China

Ringo Ma*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalJournal articlepeer-review

8 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

In-depth interviews were conducted for 203 Hong Kong Chinese in Mainland China (HIM) and 198 Mainland Chinese in Hong Kong (MIH), followed by two-level theme analyses, to examine their communication experiences and adaptation. The two groups were found to be dissimilar in terms of socioeconomic status, purpose of migration, and process of adaptation. Many HIM tended to evaluate the new environment from a "new workplace" view, mentioning adjustment and communication at workplace. Most MIH, on the other hand, used a "new home" approach, expecting a happy life with good income. The major challenge for most HIM was getting used to a less developed physical environment and an organizational culture with lower efficiency and work ethics. For most MIH, the main source of hardship came from insufficient protection for workers' rights and interests. Hong Kong is more urbanized with superficial relationships while the Mainland society is more communal, nurturing long-term relationships.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)115-132
Number of pages18
JournalJournal of Intercultural Communication Research
Volume38
Issue number2
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2009

Scopus Subject Areas

  • Cultural Studies
  • Communication

User-Defined Keywords

  • Chinese communication
  • Chinese culture
  • Cross-cultural adaptation
  • Hong Kong Chinese
  • Intergroup relations
  • Mainland chinese

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