Between theory and memory: Negotiating a new cultural identity as an immigrant teacher in New Zealand

Abstract

This study explores the stories and experiences of seven immigrant teachers practicing in Auckland, New Zealand. Employing the research methods of autoethnography and hauntology, the thesis offers an imaginary journey between theory and memory, in a search of a new cultural identity for immigrant teachers.The data which formed the basis of this research was collected from my personal journaling of my ghostly memories as a child in communist Romania, as well as from semi-structured interviews with immigrant teacher participants. This thesis explores the background and careers of these teachers in relation to their experiences of two different worlds: one of nostalgia for their homeland and their traditional culture, and the other one of negotiation of a new identity in the host country. Their experiences of emigration, cultural barriers and stories of adaptation, are portrayed in this thesis.