Qualitative Research Methods in Ethnic Communities: A Framework for Studying Language and Cultural Preservation

Seong Man Park

doi:10.29333/ejecs/2185

Authors

Seong Man Park Dankook University https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1119-6961

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.29333/ejecs/2185

Keywords:

Research methodology, qualitative research, language, culture, methodological choice, methodological combination, online qualitative surveys

Abstract

Research methodologies have diversified significantly in recent decades, offering researchers various options for structuring their studies. This study explores the role of qualitative research methods in examining ethnic language and culture preservation within ethnic communities in host societies. It begins by defining ethnic communities within the context of ethnic community studies, emphasizing the significance of language maintenance and cultural preservation. The study examines the ongoing academic debate surrounding quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods approaches, along with community-based participatory research frameworks. Since the study focuses on qualitative research, particular attention is paid to data collection methods such as participant observation, in-depth interviews, focus groups, and document analysis. The research also investigates the methodological integration of different qualitative approaches to comprehensively understand how to examine linguistic and ethnic minority groups’ ethnic language and cultural practices in host societies. In addition, it explores how researchers navigate dual roles when studying their own ethnic communities in host societies, examining the balance between community membership and scholarly objectivity. Special attention is given to online qualitative surveys as contemporary research tools, highlighting their flexibility and effectiveness in addressing diverse social research questions. This paper contributes to the field by providing practical and philosophical guidance for conducting qualitative research in ethnic communities within host societies.

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Author Biography

Seong Man Park, Dankook University

Dr. Seong Man Park is an Associate Professor in the Department of English at the College of Foreign Languages, Dankook University. His research focuses on the maintenance of minority languages and cultures within immigrant communities in multilingual and multicultural settings, employing qualitative methodologies. Dr. Park’s work explores the dynamics of culture and language preservation, particularly within the multicultural Canadian context, and extends its application to the Korean context.

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