Intergenerational Communication in Immigrant Punjabi Families: Implications for Helping Professionals

Abstract

This paper is an extension of the primary author's post-doctoral research on the Sikh diaspora in Vancouver, Canada. Drawing upon the orality, literacy and 'analytics' (critical inquiry) paradigm, the paper delineates the distinctive communication patterns that characterize each of three generations in the Punjabi community in that location. A sample intergenerational dialogue in the counselling context is provided to demonstrate the nature of fluidity in communication, and the implications for helping professionals are discussed.

Asian Indians' responses to discrimination: A mixed-method examination of identity, coping, and self-esteem.

“…We adopted Harrell's (2000) definition of racial socialization, which refers to the degree to which Asian Indians are exposed to White racial and cultural contexts and the extent to which family socialization includes discussions of Indian cultural values and racism. Consistent with recent literature (Inman, 2006;Nayar & Sandhu, 2006), we defined first generation as those born and raised in India and migrated to the U.S. after age 18, and second generation as those either born and raised in the U.S., or migrated to the U.S. by age 18. Our delineation between first and second generations is based on literature which suggests a differing relationship between length of stay in the U.S. and identification with the mainstream culture or culture of origin (Deaux, 2004).…”

Treatment of alcohol use disorder among people of South Asian ancestry in Canada and the United States: A narrative review

“…They concluded that there is variance in communication styles among first-, second-, and third-generational South Asians due to the level of acculturation (Thandi, Chahal & Cheema, 2005). This is echoed in Nayar and Sandhu's postdoctoral thesis exploring counseling nuances among the same community (Nayar & Sandhu, 2006). Elders, or immigrants who spent most of their lives in India before immigrating, usually have English as a learned language, and most of their knowledge is based on personal experiences.…”

“…Elders, or immigrants who spent most of their lives in India before immigrating, usually have English as a learned language, and most of their knowledge is based on personal experiences. Second and third generations are generally literate in English, and their knowledge is based on personal experiences and written language, as well as deductive reasoning and Western thought (Nayar & Sandhu, 2006;Thandi, Chahal & Cheema, 2005). Language also affects communication and access; Chang and colleagues' qualitative study of care providers' perspectives on treatment barriers for APIs suggests that a common language between staff and clients was needed to experience therapeutic nuances such as acceptance, connection, and openness.…”