Language Acculturation, Group Relations, and Satisfaction With Life: A Case of First-Generation Immigrants From the Former Soviet Union in Israel

Abstract

This study investigates the connections between language acculturation, group relations, and life satisfaction among first-generation immigrants from the former Soviet Union in Israel. We operationalised language acculturation as using the native (Russian) and the new (Hebrew) languages in everyday life outside of work (communicating with relatives and friends, reading, using the internet, and watching movies). We included positive (social support from immigrants and the majority) and negative (discrimination) aspects of group relations in the model. The study used a stratified sample (n = 848, 45% male, with an average time in Israel of 28 years). In general, immigrants used more Hebrew than Russian. However, usage varied across different fields: Russian was more frequently used for communicating with relatives and friends, while Hebrew was more frequently used for reading, using the internet, and watching movies. In addition, using one language conflicted with using the other. Using Hebrew was directly and indirectly (through its positive connection with social support from the majority) connected to satisfaction with life. Using Russian was associated with stronger support from immigrants but also with stronger discrimination. Using Russian was not directly or indirectly connected to satisfaction with life. The pertinence of the acculturation theory to language acculturation is discussed.