An Empirical Study of Older Chinese Migrants’ Use of Coping Strategies for Language Challenges

Host-country language competence is an important contributor to older migrants’ well-being. Language-related challenges can be pervasive in everyday life, and impact older migrants’ overall wellbeing. We conceptualize language-related challenges as potential stressors. Drawing on coping theory, we examine the strategies that older migrants employ to cope. Based on interviews and go-alongs with 18 older Chinese migrants in Auckland, New Zealand, we identified language challenges they experienced during social functioning and interpersonal communication. Drawing on their available resources, the participants developed coping strategies that followed a general sequence, starting with problem-solving strategies (e.g., using digital translators) and moving through emotion-focused (e.g., seeking social support) to meaning-focused coping strategies (e.g., developing positive mindsets). They adapted strategies based on the situation and effectiveness of strategies used, thereby signaling their personal agency and situational awareness. Participants viewed themselves as “managing” language challenges, which for many was sufficient to maintain daily-life routines. We close with recommendations for supporting older migrants.