Date of Award
2010
Degree Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Education
Program
Education
Supervisor
Dr. Immaculate Namukasa
Second Advisor
Dr. Suzanne Majhanovich
Abstract
This study, using the social constructivism framework, was intended to investigate the role of visual languages in the lives of immigrant people as they go through the process of assimilation in their new homeland. In particular, it explored the potential role of visual languages in immigrants’ personal growth and creative assimilation into the new country through social interactions, as well as immigrants’ reconstruction of their identities within the new culture. Through an anonymous questionnaire used to collect demographic data, semi-structured interviews, and an invitation to share stories and visual examples, the participants reflected on their experiences and perceptions in relation to visual languages. Analysis of the data revealed the distinctive roles of visual languages, such as educating and enabling while providing information on different conditions affecting immigrants. The sharing of stories and visual examples allowed for the exploration of immigrants’ identity and the cultural significance of objects in areas such as clothing, decoration, fine arts and crafts, utensils, and photographs, among others. Implications for social services agencies and for future research were examined.
Recommended Citation
Ubelarte, Ana M.R., "THE ROLE OF VISUAL LANGUAGES IN THE LIVES OF IMMIGRANT PEOPLE" (2010). Digitized Theses. 4416.
https://ir.lib.uwo.ca/digitizedtheses/4416