Chinese Diaspora in West Virginia: Community and Accessibility among Chinese International Students in Rural America
Document Type
Panel Presentation
Keywords
diaspora, accessibility, China
Biography
Ivy Scoville is a fourth-year student at Marshall University studying Anthropology and English. She also studies Japanese language, and has done other work at Marshall concerning East Asian culture, such as an essay on the shared culture of music and dance as explained through a Korean music video, research on the indigenous Ainu of Japan, and her current Capstone project with Chinese international students at Marshall.
Major
Anthropology
Advisor for this project
Dr. Kristi Fondren, Dr. Robin Riner, Dr. Zelideth Rivas, Dr. Jana Tigchelaar
Abstract
The goal of this research is to gain a better understanding of the experiences Chinese international students might have in rural America, specifically West Virginia. Rural areas in the United States, including West Virginia specifically, are often food deserts lacking in accessible infrastructure, and I want to learn more about how Chinese international students navigate their Chinese identity under such circumstances. For example, a Chinese student might have to drive hours into a different state to find an Asian market or someone who knows how to cut their hair. I will also look into the use of Chinese media and apps, such as WeChat, in the diaspora and how that pertains to accessibility in the United States, as well as identity construction.
Chinese Diaspora in West Virginia: Community and Accessibility among Chinese International Students in Rural America
The goal of this research is to gain a better understanding of the experiences Chinese international students might have in rural America, specifically West Virginia. Rural areas in the United States, including West Virginia specifically, are often food deserts lacking in accessible infrastructure, and I want to learn more about how Chinese international students navigate their Chinese identity under such circumstances. For example, a Chinese student might have to drive hours into a different state to find an Asian market or someone who knows how to cut their hair. I will also look into the use of Chinese media and apps, such as WeChat, in the diaspora and how that pertains to accessibility in the United States, as well as identity construction.
