Sociocultural Predictors of Migrants' National Identity

The current study investigates the role of different sociocultural constructs (identities, acculturation) in shaping of national identity of migrants in a new place. National identity implies awareness of belonging to the state and to the people living on its territory. In some studies, it is assumed as a predictor of cultural change, however cultural change can be before identification with national host community. The discussion of previous literature on this topic is provided and a new study on the example of Armenian migrants living in Russia is proposed. The following hypotheses are put forward: (1) Armenian ethnic identity will have positive connections with Russian national identity (2) Place identity with Russia will have positive connections with Russian national identity, (3) while place identity with Armenia will relate negatively (4) Integration and assimilation will have positive connections with national identity (5) Separation will have negative connections with national identity (6) National identity will have positive relation with life satisfaction and self-esteem. The results of pre-test for adaptation of ethnolinguistic identity scale and the results of the survey are presented. It was confirmed that Armenian migrants’ Russian national identity is positively predicted by their ethnic identity, place identity with Russia, acculturation strategies, gender and years of living in Russia.