Vancouver Index of Acculturation

To effectively assess the cultural orientations of recent migrants, the Vancouver Index of Acculturation (VIA) serves as a valuable tool. This instrument allows researchers to evaluate the balance between heritage culture and mainstream culture orientations. By exploring both cultural dimensions, the VIA provides insights into how migrants engage with their heritage traditions alongside their adaptation to typical American cultural practices.

The Vancouver Acculturation Index (VIA) is a self-report measure that assesses an individual's cultural orientation by examining their level of identification with both their heritage culture and the mainstream culture. It includes items that measure attitudes towards cultural traditions, values, and behaviors related to one's heritage and the mainstream culture. This allows researchers to gain a comprehensive understanding of an individual's acculturation experiences.

Mainstream traditions refer to the customs, practices, and genres of entertainment that are widely accepted and practiced within the dominant culture of a society, such as typically American cultural activities like Hollywood films, pop music, and contemporary sports. In contrast, heritage traditions encompass the unique customs and forms of entertainment rooted in a person's ancestry and cultural background. These might include traditional music, dance, and storytelling that reflect their same heritage culture.