Degree
Master of Arts
Program
Anthropology
Supervisor
Dr Sherrie Larkin
Abstract
This research looks at conversation circles, hosted by "Community Connections," which is a settlement program in London Ontario. The focus is on how the program has an impact on the experiences and expectations of these individual migrants. The conversation circles are a network that attempts to meet the government's expectations of the "ideal" migrant and prepare newcomers to become part of a larger Canadian society. While it generally succeeds at representing the ideals of the government, it struggles to involve Canadians in the settlement process. Without the openness of a receiving society, migrant will never truly fit in. The conversation circles connects newcomers with volunteers, but the bonds created within this controlled environment do not expand into the larger society. The data was gathered through participant observation, one-on-one interviews and a focus group set up by the London Cross Cultural Learner Centre, which hosts the conversation circles.
Recommended Citation
Veldman, Lisa, "Newcomer Expectations and Experiences: An Evaluation of English Conversation Circles in London, Ontario" (2013). Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository. 1330.
https://ir.lib.uwo.ca/etd/1330