Patterns of Communication and Interethnic Integration: A Study of American Indians in Oklahoma
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.14288/cjne.v22i1.195800Keywords:
Communication, Interethnic, American Indians, OklahomaAbstract
This article examines the patterns of communication of American Indians in Oklahoma, whose activities are closely interfaced with those of non-Indians. Given the highly integrated macro-social milieu, and based on Kim's (1988,1995a, 1995b, in press) communication theory of cross-cultural adaptation, the present analysis addresses the extent to which American Indians in Oklahoma are communicatively engaged within and outside the Indian community and the nature
o f the relationship between these two types of communication activities and psychological and functional integration into the mainstream society. The analysis utilizes portions of the quantitative data obtained through 182 one-on-one inter views during 1988-1989 at six research sites in the state. Interethnic and inter ethnic communication activities are measured by five indicators: (a) ingroup and outgroup perception; (b) casual interpersonal relationships; (c) intimate interpersonal relationships; (d) participation in community organizations; (e) use of mass media. Results show that as a group the Oklahoma Indians are active in both interethnic and interethnic communication, reflecting the highly integrated macro environment of the State of Oklahoma. Those who are more actively engaged intraethnic communication are found also to be more active in interethnic communication. Results further suggest that both interethnic and interethnic communi cation activities of Oklahoma Indians are linked positively to their integration into the mainstream socio-cultural milieu. Compared with intraethnic communication, interethnic communication appears to play a more potent role infacilitating the integration process.