Biracial Identity Development: Narratives of Biracial Korean American University Students in Heritage Language Classes

• In Event: 69.057 - Roundtable Session 32
  In Roundtable Session: 69.057-2 - Identity and Formal Schooling

Abstract

This study examines a case of eleven biracial Korean American university students, using participant observation, semi-structured interviews, and document analysis. In particular, this study focuses on how biracial Korean Americans construct and engage with their identities, the factors that influence this process, and how Korean heritage language on the higher education level play a role. The narratives of biracial Korean American university students illustrates the intersection where biracial and multiracial identities are situated, describe how individuals navigate through two or more cultures that view race and language differently, challenge the existing categories of heritage language, and shed light on identity development in the higher education context.

Author

• Hyein Amber Kim, University of Washington