Shifting biculturality to monoculturality: the acculturation among Chinese Peranakans in Serui Regency of Papua, Indonesia

Abstract

This study delves into the acculturation process among Chinese Peranakans in Serui City, Papua, Indonesia, specifically focusing on transitioning from a bicultural to a monocultural identity. This research uses interpretive phenomenology and in-depth interviews to gather individual experiences. This research found two distinct forms of Chinese acculturation: one driven by Security-Economic factors and the other by Social-Political influences. Furthermore, it found that cultural art traditions, including the traditional dances of Papua as the host culture, play pivotal catalysts in facilitating acculturation within the Peranakan community. The study underscores the dynamic interplay of internal factors, such as economic motives and security concerns, and external factors, including political structures, in driving the shift from biculturality to monoculturality. This research highlights the significance of social and cultural activities as powerful tools for fostering intercultural communication competence among diverse communities.

Keywords

• Acculturation
• biculturality
• monoculturality
• Chinese Peranakans
• communication competence
• Geng Yuqing, Shanghai Dianji University, Shanghai, China