Rogers, T. B.Malhi, Rebecca L.2005-08-082005-08-0820030612873528http://hdl.handle.net/1880/39655Bibliography: p. 137-146The influx of people from "Third World" countries to North America has been termed a "diaspora" (Bhatia, 2002). Research on immigrant identity has relied on transcultural models ( e.g. Berry, 1997), while studies about immigrant experiences often focus on racism. However, existing research is limited because it isolates individuals from their social, historical, and cultural context. My study provides an alternative approach to current views ofdiasporic identity and social phenomena such as racism. Conversations oftwelve South Asian women were analyzed using discourse analysis. Findings showed that participants claimed multiple identities. "Canadian" identity was drawn upon in formal, public situations, while "South Asian" identity was preferred in informal, private situations. Tensions ofpublic/private and Canadian/South Asian also factored into talk about racism. In ambiguous social and work situations, participants often denied that racism had occurred by using discursive devices to explain away or qualify negative experiences, thus avoiding victim status.viii, 160 leaves ; 30 cm.engUniversity of Calgary graduate students retain copyright ownership and moral rights for their thesis. You may use this material in any way that is permitted by the Copyright Act or through licensing that has been assigned to the document. For uses that are not allowable under copyright legislation or licensing, you are required to seek permission.master thesis10.11575/PRISM/23066AC1 .T484 2003 M357