The Subjective Experience of Multicultural Communities in Preserving Cultural and Linguistic Diversity in Urban Areas: A Phenomenological Study
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Abstract
Multiculturalism and linguistic diversity are increasingly significant topics in urban settings, with implications for social harmony and cultural preservation. Previous studies have often focused on societal or policy-level perspectives, neglecting the personal and emotional dimensions of individuals’ experiences within diverse communities. This gap in understanding raises questions about how individuals experience and navigate cultural and linguistic diversity in their daily lives. Here we show that phenomenology provides a suitable approach for exploring these subjective experiences, offering valuable insights into the challenges and strategies employed by individuals to maintain their cultural identity. Through in-depth interviews and thematic analysis, we discovered that participants face challenges such as discrimination and communication barriers, while employing adaptive strategies to preserve their cultural heritage. These findings underscore the complexity of cultural preservation in multicultural societies, highlighting the need for further research into the personal dynamics of multiculturalism and its impact on individual identity.
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